A free radical is a chemical species which is

Options

A. electron dificient and electrically neutral
B. electron dificient and positively charged
C. electron rich and negatively charged
D. electron rich and electrically neutral

Explanation

To answer the question "A free radical is a chemical species which is...", we can break down the concept of free radicals step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Free Radical**: A free radical is a chemical species that has an unpaired electron. This means that it is not stable and is highly reactive.

2. **Formation of Free Radicals**: Free radicals are typically formed through a process called homolytic cleavage. This occurs when a covalent bond between two atoms breaks evenly, resulting in two radicals, each containing one unpaired electron.

3. **Characteristics of Free Radicals**:
- **Electron Deficient**: Since free radicals have an unpaired electron, they are considered electron deficient. They seek to pair this unpaired electron by reacting with other molecules.
- **Neutral Species**: Free radicals can be neutral, meaning they do not carry a net charge. However, they can also be part of charged species depending on the context.
- **Not Positively or Negatively Charged**: While free radicals can be involved in reactions that lead to charged species, a free radical itself is typically neutral.

4. **Example of a Free Radical**: A common example of a free radical is the methyl radical (CH3•), which has one unpaired electron.

### Conclusion:
A free radical is a chemical species that is **electron deficient** and typically **neutral**.