CIE Chemistry Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Practice Test

A carbocation is defined as which of the following?

A species containing a positively charged carbon A carbon-centered radical A carbonyl compound A negatively charged carbon

Correct Answer:

A species containing a positively charged carbon

Explanation:

A carbocation is a species containing a positively charged carbon atom. This happens when carbon loses enough electrons (or forms bonds in a way that leaves only six electrons around it in its valence shell), giving carbon a formal charge of +1. The positive charge is located on the carbon, which is electron-deficient and typically planar with an empty p orbital, making it highly reactive toward nucleophiles. This is different from a carbon-centered radical, which has an unpaired electron; from a carbonyl compound, which features a C=O double bond; and from a negatively charged carbon (a carbanion), which would carry a negative formal charge.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to CIE Chemistry Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions