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Carbocations: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "== Introduction == A Carbocation is a type of ion that has a positively charged carbon atom. The term carbocation is derived from the words "carbon" and "cation", which is a positively charged ion. Carbocations are often unstable and highly reactive, which makes them important in many chemical reactions. == Structure and Properties == Carbocations are characterized by a carbon atom that is bonded to three other atoms or groups of atoms and carries a positive charge....") |
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Carbocations are characterized by a carbon atom that is bonded to three other atoms or groups of atoms and carries a positive charge. This results in a trigonal planar molecular geometry around the positively charged carbon. The carbon atom in a carbocation has only six electrons in its outer valence shell, making it electron-deficient and thus, highly reactive. | Carbocations are characterized by a carbon atom that is bonded to three other atoms or groups of atoms and carries a positive charge. This results in a trigonal planar molecular geometry around the positively charged carbon. The carbon atom in a carbocation has only six electrons in its outer valence shell, making it electron-deficient and thus, highly reactive. | ||
[[Image:Detail-146887.jpg|thumb|center|A close-up of a carbocation molecule showing the positively charged carbon atom and its three attached groups.]] | |||
== Types of Carbocations == | == Types of Carbocations == | ||