Answer to Question #331000 in General Chemistry for Siyabonga

Question

Which of the following statements are INCORRECT?

 

a. Free radicals contain an unpaired electron.

b.Carbocations are electrophilic.

c.Carbanions are strongly acidic.

d.Carbocations are acidic.

Answer 1

None, all are correct

a. A free radical can be defined as any molecular species capable of independent existence that contains an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital. The presence of an unpaired electron results in certain common properties that are shared by most radicals. Many radicals are unstable and highly reactive.

b. Positively charged species such as a carbocation is electron-poor and they are highly active electrophiles that can react with a variety of nucleophiles.

c. Carbocations are Bronsted acids, with pK_a values similar to those of strong mineral acids. 

d. Carbocations can act as Lewis acids, as they can accept a pair of electrons from a Lewis base. Many carbocations (but not all) may also function as Brønsted acids.