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Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen so why carbocation has positive charge on Carbon?
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Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen so why carbocation has po...
Introduction
Carbon is a more electronegative element than hydrogen, which means that it has a greater tendency to attract electrons towards itself. However, when carbon loses an electron to form a carbocation, it has a positive charge on it. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can be explained by understanding the nature of carbocations.

What is a carbocation?
A carbocation is an ion that contains a positively charged carbon atom. It is formed when a molecule loses an electron, leaving behind a positively charged ion. Carbocations are highly reactive and are involved in many organic chemical reactions.

Why does carbon have a positive charge?
When a molecule loses an electron, it becomes positively charged. In the case of a carbocation, the carbon atom loses one of its valence electrons, leaving it with only three electrons in its outer shell. This creates a positively charged ion, as the number of protons in the nucleus is greater than the number of electrons.

Why is carbon more electronegative than hydrogen?
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself. Carbon has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen because it has a greater nuclear charge and a smaller atomic radius. This means that carbon has a greater pull on the electrons in a molecule than hydrogen does.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen, it can still have a positive charge when it forms a carbocation. This is because the loss of an electron from carbon creates a positively charged ion, regardless of its electronegativity.
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Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen so why carbocation has positive charge on Carbon?
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Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen so why carbocation has positive charge on Carbon? for Chemistry 2024 is part of Chemistry preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Chemistry exam syllabus. Information about Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen so why carbocation has positive charge on Carbon? covers all topics & solutions for Chemistry 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen so why carbocation has positive charge on Carbon?.
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