https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05066
A @M03986@ such as ·CH3, ·SnH3, Cl· possessing an unpaired electron. (In these formulae the dot, symbolizing the unpaired electron, should be placed so as to indicate the atom of highest @S05864@, if this is possible.) @P04404-1@ metal ions are not normally regarded as radicals. However, in the '@I03288@ analogy' the similarity between certain @P04404-2@ metal ions and radicals becomes apparent. At least in the context of physical organic chemistry, it seems desirable to cease using the adjective 'free' in the general name of this type of @CT01038@ and molecular entity, so that the term '@F02519@' may in future be restricted to those radicals which do not form parts of radical pairs. Depending upon the core atom that possesses the unpaired electron, the radicals can be described as carbon-, oxygen-, nitrogen-, metal-centered radicals. If the unpaired electron occupies an orbital having considerable s or more or less pure p character, the respective radicals are termed σ- or π-radicals. In the past, the term 'radical' was used to designate a @S06076@ bound to a molecular entity, as opposed to '@F02519@', which nowadays is simply called radical. The bound entities may be called @G02705@ or substituents, but should no longer be called radicals.
See also:
biradical
Sources:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1155 [Terms] [Paper]
PAC, 1995, 67, 1307. (Glossary of class names of organic compounds and reactivity intermediates based on structure (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)) on page 1362 [Terms] [Paper]
See also:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. (Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)) on page 2209 [Terms] [Paper]