The generation of molecular radicals in corona discharge was investigated spectroscopically by varying the experimental conditions applied to a substituted toluene precursor. Vibronic emission spectra were observed from the corona discharge of 2-chloro-5-fluorotoluene seeded in a large amount of carrier gas helium. From an analysis of emission spectra observed, it was confirmed that bond dissociation energy plays a key role in radical formation. The possible pathway for the formation of benzyl-type radicals is proposed to explain the observation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.