Answer to Question #6065 in Organic Chemistry for nakul

Question

what are carbocations ?

Answer 1

A carbocation is an ion with a positively-charged carbon atom. The charged carbon atom in a carbocation is a "sextet", i.e. it has only six electrons in its outer valence shell instead of the eight valence electrons that ensures maximum stability (octet rule). Therefore carbocations are often reactive, seeking to fill the octet of valence electrons as well as regain a neutral charge. One could reasonably assume a carbocation to have sp³ hybridization with an empty sp3 orbital giving positive charge. However, the reactivity of a carbocation more closely resembles sp² hybridization with a trigonal planar molecular geometry. Example: Methyl carbocation(CH₃⁺)