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MCQEasyJEE 2024Reaction Mechanisms (Substitution, Addition, Elimination)

JEE Chemistry 2024 Question with Solution

A species having carbon with a sextet of electrons and can act as an electrophile is called:

  • A

    Carbon free radical

  • B

    Carbanion

  • C

    Carbocation

  • D

    Pentavalent carbon

Answer

Correct answer:C

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: We need to identify the species in which carbon has a sextet of electrons and behaves as an electrophile.

Find: The correct option.

A carbocation contains a positively charged carbon atom with only six electrons around carbon. Because of this electron deficiency, it readily accepts an electron pair and therefore acts as an electrophile.

A carbon free radical has seven electrons around carbon, not a sextet. A carbanion generally has an octet and is electron-rich, so it behaves as a nucleophile rather than an electrophile. Pentavalent carbon is not the appropriate species here.

Therefore, the correct option is C.

The species is carbocation.

Direct Identification

Given: Carbon has a sextet of electrons.

Find: Which species is electrophilic.

Among common carbon intermediates, only a carbocation is electron-deficient with six electrons around carbon. Hence it acts as an electrophile.

Therefore, the correct option is C.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing a carbon free radical with a carbocation. A free radical has one unpaired electron and typically seven electrons around carbon, not a sextet. Check the electron count before choosing the intermediate.

  • Choosing carbanion because it is a reactive intermediate. A carbanion is electron-rich and usually has an octet, so it acts as a nucleophile, not an electrophile. Focus on electron deficiency.

  • Thinking any unstable carbon species must be electrophilic. Reactivity alone is not enough; the key here is a positively charged, electron-deficient carbon with six electrons, which identifies a carbocation.

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