This allylic bromination with NBS look analogous to the alkane halogention reaction discussed in the previous section. In both cases, a C-H bond on a saturated carbon is brokenand the hydrogen atom is replaced by halogen. The analogy is agood one, for studies have shwn that allylic NBS brominations do in fact occur by atwo-step, radical chain pathway. As in alkane halogenation, Br radical abstracts an allyic hydrogen atom of the alkene, thereby forming an allylic radical plus HBr. This allylic radical then reacts with Br to yield the probuct nad a Br. Radical, which cycles back into the first step to carry on the chain. The Br2 results from the reaction of NBS with the HBr formed in the first step.