Question

Question: Classify each carbocation as $1°$,$2°$,$3°$.

a.

b.

c.

d.

Short answer

Answer

a. The given carbocation is $2°$.

b. The given carbocation is $1°$.

c. The given carbocation is$3°$ .

d. The given carbocation is $2°$.

Step-by-step solution

Carbocations

Carbocations were formerly called “carbonium ion.” These species belong to the category of reactive intermediates.

Classification of carbocations into 1° , 2° and 3° 

Electron-deficient carbons linked to one carbon atom can be referred to as primary ( $1°$) carbocations. Secondary($2°$) and tertiary( $3°$) carbocations are species where the electron-deficient carbon is joined to two and three carbon atoms, respectively.

Identification of carbocations as 1° ,2°and 3° 

a. The carbocation structure consists of a carbon atom possessing a positive charge linked to two other carbon atoms. Hence, this carbocation is a $2°$carbocation.

b. The carbocation structure comprises a carbon atom with a positive charge linked to another carbon atom. Hence, this carbocation is a $1°$ carbocation.

c. The carbocation structure contains a carbon atom comprising a positive charge linked to three other carbon atoms. Hence, this carbocation is a $3°$carbocation.

d. The carbocation structure contains a carbon atom with a positive charge joined to two other carbon atoms. Hence, this carbocation is a $2°$carbocation.