Carbene, R2C

Definition

A carbene is a highly reactive molecule consisting of a carbon atom with two unshared electrons bonded to two groups (R), where R can be hydrogen, alkyl, or other substituents. In organic chemistry, carbenes are known for their role in inserting into C-H bonds and adding across double bonds, such as in the synthesis of cyclopropanes from alkenes.

Related terms

Alkene: Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond, serving as substrates for carbene addition reactions.

Cyclopropane: A cycloalkane composed of three carbon atoms linked to each other in a ring structure, often formed through carbene-mediated reactions with alkenes.

Singlet Carbene: A type of carbene where the two non-bonding electrons are paired in the same orbital, making it relatively stable and able to insert into double bonds