carbanion

[ kahr-ban-ahy-uhn, -on ]

noun

1. an organic ion containing a negatively charged carbon atom ( carbonium ion ).

carbanion

/ kɑːˈbænaɪən /

noun

1. chem a negatively charged organic ion in which most of the negative charge is localized on a carbon atom Compare carbonium ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbanion¹

First recorded in 1933; carb- + anion

Example Sentences

In 1958, Breslow showed that the unique placement of the carbanion between the nitrogen and sulfur atoms in vitamin B1’s thiazolium ring stabilizes it, enabling catalysis of a broad range of demanding chemical transformations.

From Nature