Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Benzyl carbocation: The carbocation derived by removing a hydride ion from the methyl group of toluene. PhCH₂⁺. Any carbocation in which the positive formal charge and open octet are situated adjacent to a benzene ring is called a benzylic carbocation.

The benzyl carbocation.


Ionization of 1-(1-bromobutyl)-4-methoxybenzene gives a benzylic carbocation.