What is the Difference Between Carbonium Ion and Carbanion?

The key difference between a carbonium ion and a carbanion is the valence and charge of the carbon atom. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Carbonium Ion: The carbon atom in a carbonium ion is pentavalent, meaning it has five covalent bonds. The geometry around the carbon atom is planar. Carbonium ions are positively charged species and are known as carbocations.
• Carbanion: The carbon atom in a carbanion is trivalent, meaning it has three covalent bonds. The geometry of the carbon atom in a carbanion can be trigonal pyramidal, bent, or linear, depending on the substituents. Carbanions are negatively charged species and are known as nucleophiles.

In summary, carbonium ions have a positive charge and a pentavalent carbon atom, while carbanions have a negative charge and a trivalent carbon atom. The geometry around the carbon atom is planar for carbonium ions and can vary for carbanions depending on the substituents.

Comparative Table: Carbonium Ion vs Carbanion

The key difference between a carbonium ion and a carbanion lies in the valency and charge of the carbon atom. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

A carbonium ion has a carbon atom with a positive charge and five valence electrons (pentavalent), while a carbanion has a carbon atom with a negative charge and two valence electrons (trivalent). Carbonium ions are less reactive than carbanions, which are highly reactive and nucleophilic.