Why is a carbocation #sp^2# hybridized around the central carbon?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 22, 2017

This is a simple consequence of #"VSEPR........"#

Explanation:

#"VSEPR"#, #"valence shell electron pair repulsion theory"#, proposes that electron pairs around a central atom arrange themselves in the shapes of the Platonic solids, the which arrangement minimizes electrostatic repulsion between the bonding and lone pairs.

Two electron pairs are disposed linearly; three electron pairs are arranged in a trigonal plane; four electron pairs are arranged in a tetrahedron.........

Around the carbon in #""^+CR_3#, there are 3 bonding electron pairs, and thus the bond angle #/_R-C-R# is #120^@#. The boron halides and alkyls, are isoelectronic with #""^+CR_3#, tho here #BR_3# is neutral.

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