Organic Chemistry MCAT Practice Exam 2025 - Free MCAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What kind of charge does a carbocation have?

Neutral

Positive

A carbocation is a species that has a positively charged carbon atom. This occurs when a carbon atom has only six electrons in its valence shell instead of the normal eight, creating a deficiency of electrons. The positive charge arises because the carbon atom is electron-deficient, making it an electron pair acceptor, and contributing to its reactivity. This characteristic is significant in many organic reactions, as carbocations can form during reactions like alkyl halide eliminations, and they often participate in reaction mechanisms as intermediates. The presence of the positive charge clearly distinguishes carbocations from other species such as carbanions, which bear a negative charge.

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Negative

Complex

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