Question

What is the correct geometry for carbocation?

• A. Trigonal planar
• B. Tetrahedral
• C. Linear
• D. Pyramidal

Answer 1

The correct option is A Trigonal planar

Carbocation forms from heterolytic bond cleavage. $C{H}_3^{+}$ is $s{p}^2$ hybridized. It is the mixture of one s-orbital and two p-orbitals. Thus, the geometry of carbocation is trigonal planar as it has 3 sigma bonds. All the H and C lie in one plane.
Carbocation ion has electron-deficient nature as there is a vacant p orbital which shows its nature. In valence, shell carbon has 6 electrons. Thus, it is an electron-deficient species.

The structure of carbonium ion is given below: