Bond Cleavage

Bond Cleavage Definition:

Bond cleavage is the breaking of a bond. The 2 classifications of bond cleavage are homolytic and heterolytic bond cleavage depending upon whether the bonding electron pair may be split evenly or unevenly respectively, between the products.

Bond Cleavage Explained:

Bond cleavage usually occurs in reactions in which the carbon skeleton is reduced. The cleavage can happen either homolytically or heterolytically. The former results in a cleaved C-C bond, in which both carbons receive one electron. The latter results when a cleaved carbon retains both the bonded electrons.

For Examples, see Homolytic Bond Cleavage and Heterolytic Bond Cleavage