Describe the differences between carbocations and carbanions.

Carbocations are positively charged carbon atoms, while carbanions are negatively charged carbon atoms.

Carbocations are formed when a carbon atom loses an electron, resulting in a positively charged ion. They are highly reactive and unstable, and tend to undergo reactions that allow them to regain their lost electron and become neutral again. Carbocations are often intermediates in organic reactions, and their stability is affected by factors such as the presence of electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups on adjacent atoms.

Carbanions, on the other hand, are formed when a carbon atom gains an electron, resulting in a negatively charged ion. They are also highly reactive, but tend to be more stable than carbocations due to the additional electron. Carbanions are often used in organic synthesis as nucleophiles, or electron-rich species that can attack electrophiles (electron-poor species) and form new bonds.

Overall, carbocations and carbanions represent two different types of charged carbon atoms that play important roles in organic chemistry. Understanding their properties and reactivity is essential for designing and carrying out organic reactions.