Chemistry
The Fundamental Differences Between Homolytic and Heterolytic Bond Cleavage Mechanisms
Quick fact
In homolytic cleavage, each atom receives one electron, creating uncharged radicals, while heterolytic cleavage gives both electrons to one atom, forming charged ions.
Why this is interesting
Every time a covalent bond breaks, its two electrons must go somewhere. But who gets them? The answer splits the world of chemistry into two very different camps.