carbocation

A carbocation is a molecule that contains a carbon atom with a positive charge because it has lost one or more electrons. Think of it as a carbon that’s missing an electron, making it highly reactive and eager to bond with other atoms to regain stability. Carbocations often form during chemical reactions, especially in organic chemistry, and their stability depends on how well they can spread out or share their positive charge with surrounding atoms. They are important intermediates in many reactions, driving the formation of new bonds and molecules.