A
carbocation is a positively-charged
carbon ion. It has only six
electrons in its outer
valence shell[?] instead of the eight
valence electrons[?] that most atoms want. Therefore the carbon
cation is unstable and very reactive, seeking to fill its octet of
valence electrons as well as regain its
neutral charge[?].
In organic chemistry, the carbocation is often the target of nucleophilic attack[?] by nucleophiles like OH- ions or halogen ions.