What is the Difference Between Carbocation and Carbanion?

Carbocation and carbanion are two types of charged species derived from organic molecules, and they play crucial roles in organic chemistry. The main differences between them are:

• Charge: Carbocation is a positively charged carbon atom with an electron deficiency, while carbanion is a negatively charged carbon atom with an extra pair of electrons.
• Electron Density: Carbocations are electron-deficient and act as electrophiles, meaning they are highly reactive towards nucleophiles. Carbanions, on the other hand, are electron-rich and act as nucleophiles, participating in various organic reactions.
• Hybridization: The hybridization of carbocation is sp² (trigonal planar), while the hybridization of carbanion is sp³ (pyramidal).
• Stability: Carbocations can be stabilized by alkyl groups, whereas carbanions can be stabilized by electron-withdrawing groups. Carbocations are generally less stable than carbanions due to their positive charge, making them highly reactive and unstable.
• Role in Reactions: Carbocations are involved in electrophilic reactions, while carbanions are involved in nucleophilic reactions.

Comparative Table: Carbocation vs Carbanion

Carbocation and carbanion are two types of charged species derived from organic molecules. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

Carbocation is a positively charged carbon atom that has lost an electron, resulting in an electron-deficient species. It possesses an empty p-orbital on the carbon, making it an electrophile and highly reactive towards nucleophiles. On the other hand, a carbanion is a negatively charged carbon atom with an extra pair of electrons. It acts as a nucleophile and participates in various organic reactions.