Definition of carbocation

1. A cation containing an even number of electrons with a significant portion of the excess positive charge located on one or more carbon atoms. This is a general term embracing carbenium ions, all types of carbonium ions, vinyl cations, etc. Carbocations may be named by adding the word "cation" to the name of the corresponding radical [IUPAC ORGANIC RULES (1979), IUPAC NOMENCLATURE GUIDE (1993).] Such names do not imply structure (e.g. whether three-coordinated or five-coordinated carbon atoms are present). OLAH and SCHLEYER (1972). See also bridged carbocation, radical ion.