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Learning objective

Explain carbocation formation and stability where appropriate.

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Topic

Alkenes

Subtopic

Electrophilic addition

Aqa A Level ChemistryOrganic chemistry

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Quick explanation

Explain carbocation formation and stability where appropriate

  • This point belongs to Alkenes, especially Electrophilic addition.
  • You need to be able to explain carbocation formation and stability where appropriate.
  • The key ideas to know are carbocation.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

carbocation

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Electrophilic addition to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Alkenes.

Quick student answer

Which of the following statements about carbocation stability is correct?

Direct answer

B) Secondary carbocations are more stable than primary carbocations.

Key terms

  • Electrophilic addition: A reaction where an electrophile reacts with a nucleophile, typically involving alkenes and resulting in the addition of atoms or groups across a double bond.
  • Carbocation: A positively charged carbon atom that is an intermediate in many organic reactions, characterized by having only six electrons in its outer shell.

Common trap

Confusing carbocation stability: Remember that tertiary carbocations are the most stable due to the greater number of electron-donating alkyl groups.

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