A carbocation is that molecule in which the carbon atom acquires a positive charge and also bears three bonds such that it has a sextet of electrons.
Carbocations are classified into three categories:
Primary carbocation: The positively charged carbon atom is attached to only one alkyl group. This is also called 1o carbocation.
Secondary carbocation: The positively charged carbon atom is attached to two alkyl groups. This is also called 2o carbocation.
Tertiary carbocation: The positively charged carbon atom is attached to three alkyl groups. This is also called 3o carbocation.
