Question

Select the true statement about the carbocation shown.

1) It has a positive charge on the carbon atom.
2) It has a negative charge on the carbon atom.
3) It is a stable species.
4) It is a reactive species.

Answer 1

A carbocation has a positive charge on the carbon atom and is a reactive species due to its willingness to form a stable four-bonded structure. It is sp2 hybridized with three bonds and a vacant p-orbital.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements offered about the carbocation, the true one is that it has a positive charge on the carbon atom. Carbocations are sp2 hybridized with three bonds and a vacant p-orbital. They are known to be reactive species because they have a tendency to react quickly to form a stable four-bonded carbon atom structure.

Carbocations are characterized by the absence of an unshared electron on the positively charged carbon atom, which leaves the carbon atom with only three bonds and a positive charge. The stability of a carbocation increases in the order: primary < secondary < tertiary. Tertiary carbocations are more stable due to the inductive effect provided by adjacent carbon atoms, allowing for easier formation compared to primary carbocations.