What general name is given to ions which contain a positively charged carbon atom?
There are two names for species with positively charged carbon atoms. The older term is ‘carbonium ion’. (YOu can see a similiarity with ‘ammonium’ ion which is, of course, positively charged). Positively charged ions are cations. The preferred term now is ‘carbocation’. Risk assessment Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website. For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
