Why are free radicals so reactive? If free radicals are so reactive, why are paramagnetic substances such as O2 stable?

Question

aaronq · Answer

free radicals are so reactive because they have an incomplete octet, and thus seek an electron. electron interactions dictate reactivity

aaronq · Answer

the paramagnetism and stability observed in O2 has to do with Molecular Orbitals do you know anything about that?

anonymous · Answer

yes, the part of the answer is incomplete octet- just having an odd electron doesn't make free radicals reactive. The odd electron does not have a mysterious 'urge' to pair. Free radicals are most reactive when gaining or losing an electron leads to a much more stable electronic configuration (e. g. they possess an incomplete octet, or they form a strong bond when they react);
the odd electron isn't delocalized (e. g. you can't write resonance structures that move the odd electron about).

aaronq · Answer

@ali000000 is right, i worded my answer incorrectly

anonymous · Answer

its ok aarong, - but we can explain it even more elaborately - if i get time, i will post in detail

aaronq · Answer

haha thanks?  weren't you the one who asked the question? haha

anonymous · Answer

this is my first visit here, so just want to know the mind stage of people :)