Carbocation
An organic ion in which a carbon atom bears a positive charge and only six valence electrons.
Formula / equation
R₃C⁺
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The positive carbon is sp² hybridised and planar with an empty p orbital. Stability increases from primary to tertiary because alkyl groups donate electron density inductively and through hyperconjugation, and this ordering governs both SN1 rates and Markovnikov selectivity.
Examples in the real world
The tertiary butyl cation; the resonance-stabilised allyl and benzyl cations.