Carbocation
A
carbocation is a positively-charged
carbon ion. It has only six
electrons in its outer
valence shell instead of the eight valence electrons that most atoms want. Therefore the carbon
cation is unstable and very reactive, seeking to fill its octet of
valence electrons as well as regain its
neutral charge.
In organic chemistry, the carbocation is often the target of nucleophilic attack by nucleophiles like OH- ions or halogen ions.