A method of producing a reactive intermediate having at least two free radicals from a precursor having a general formula of Xm—Ar—(CZ′Z″Y)n via a reactor made at least partially of a material M that is reactive with the precursor to produce at least one of MaYb and McXd is disclosed. The method comprises heating the reactor, introducing a flow of precursor into the reactor, contacting the precursor with the material M to form the reactive intermediate and at least one of MaYb and McXd, and reducing MaYb to M and a compound comprising Y and/or reducing McXd to M and a compound comprising X after forming the reactive intermediate and the at least one of MaYb and McXd.