Ion pairs

Definition

In the context of organic chemistry, specifically during SN1 reactions, ion pairs refer to the transient state where the departing leaving group and the resultant carbocation remain in close proximity due to electrostatic interactions. These species are not bonded but influence each other's reactivity and stability.

Related terms

Carbocation:

A positively charged carbon atom that has only six electrons in its valence shell, making it highly reactive.

Leaving group:

An atom or group of atoms that detaches from a molecule during a chemical reaction, forming a stable entity.

SN1 reaction:

A type of nucleophilic substitution reaction that occurs in two steps, involving the formation of a carbocation intermediate