Thiyl radical (original) (raw)

In chemistry, a thiyl radical has the formula RS, sometimes written RS• to emphasize that they are free radicals. R is typically an alkyl or aryl substituent. Because S–H bonds are about 20% weaker than C–H bonds, thiyl radicals are relatively easily generated from thiols RSH. Thiyl radicals are intermediates in the thiol-ene reaction, which is the basis of some polymeric coatings and adhesives. They are generated by hydrogen-atom abstraction from thiols using initiators such as AIBN: RN=NR → 2 R• + N2R• + R′SH → R′S• + RH