Radical initiator

[1] These substances generally possess weak bonds—bonds that have small bond dissociation energies.

Radical initiators are utilized in industrial processes such as polymer synthesis.

Typical examples are molecules with a nitrogen-halogen bond, azo compounds, and organic and inorganic peroxides.

[2] The sulfate radical adds to an alkene forming radical sulfate esters, e.g. .CHPhCH2OSO3−, that add further alkenes via formation of C-C bonds.

Some radical initiators such as azo compounds and peroxides can detonate at elevated temperatures so they must be stored cold.