Carbocation

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.