Beta scission

Beta scission is the initial step in the chemistry of thermal cracking of hydrocarbons and the formation of free radicals. They are formed upon splitting the carbon-to-carbon (C-C) bond. Free radicals are extremely reactive and short-lived. When a free radical undergoes a beta scission, the free radical breaks two carbons away from the charged carbon producing an olefin (ethylene) and a primary free radical, which has two fewer carbon atoms.