homolysis Chem.
(həˈmɒlɪsɪs)
[f. homo- + -lysis.]
The splitting of a molecule into two neutral atoms or radicals.
| 1938 [see heterolysis 2]. 1966 W. A. Pryor Free Radicals ix. 119 Molecule-induced homolysis is postulated to occur when radicals are formed at an anomalously rapid rate from the interaction of nonradical species. |
Hence homoˈlytic a., of the nature of or involving homolysis; homoˈlytically adv., by homolysis.
| 1941 Homolytic [see heterolytic s.v. heterolysis]. 1952 Sci. News XXVI. 57 A covalent bond may..break by homolytic fission, each of the electrons separating with one of the atoms, giving two free atoms, e.g.: H{b1}Cl→H{b1} + Cl{b1}. 1964 N. G. Clark Mod. Org. Chem. xxv. 515 Heat and/or illumination first causes a molecule of chlorine to break homolytically into two chlorine atoms. |