Definitions

1. noun

The breaking of a chemical bond in which the fragments retain the same orientation of atoms that existed in the original molecule, resulting in the formation of free radicals.

“The process of homolysis is involved in many chemical reactions, including the decomposition of certain compounds.”

2. noun

A type of bond cleavage in which a covalent bond is broken in such a way that two fragments are formed, each having an unpaired electron.

“In organic chemistry, homolysis is an important mechanism for the formation of free radicals.”