Question

How do I find if the isopropyl carbocation is primary, secondary, or tertiary? How would I find this out for any other molecule?

Answer 1

To determine the class of a carbocation like isopropyl, count the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon atom. In the case of isopropyl, it is a secondary carbocation because it has two alkyl groups attached.

Step-by-step explanation:

The class of a carbocation (isopropyl or any other molecule) can be determined by identifying the number of alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom carrying the positive charge. A primary carbocation has one alkyl group, a secondary carbocation has two alkyl groups, and a tertiary carbocation has three alkyl groups attached to it. In the case of isopropyl carbocation, it is a secondary carbocation because it has two alkyl groups (two methyl groups) attached to the positively charged carbon atom.