ScienceJuly 8, 2026
carbocation
/ˌkɑːrboʊˈkeɪtiɒn/
Definition
A positively charged organic ion in which a carbon atom carries a positive charge, often serving as a transient, highly reactive intermediate in chemical reactions.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau derived from 'carbon' and 'cation'. It was coined in chemistry to describe an ion where the positive charge is localized on a carbon atom, following the convention of naming ions based on their elemental origin.
In the news
The term is used in the context of astrochemistry to describe the search for specific ion molecules like CH2+ in space, which help scientists map and understand complex chemical networks in the universe.
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,206 2 July 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
Read the full article ↗Astrobiology Web