Which Factors Determine the Reactivity and Regioselectivity of Free Radical Substitution and Addition Reactions?

Abstract The relative importance of bond strength, steric effects, and polarity in determining the rate and orientation of free radical subsitution and free radical addition reaction is considered. The factors which control substitution reaction (radical transfer reaction) are gathered together as five “rules”, and a similar five “rules” are proposed for addition rections. These “rules” are shown to be special cases of two “laws” which govern all free radical reactions.