Definition

A type of organic ion that has a positive charge on a carbon atom and is formed by losing an electron.

Example

The chemist studied the properties of carbonium ions in the laboratory.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of carbonium?

Yeah, it's that organic ion with a positive charge, right?

Exactly! I was reading about it in my chemistry book.

That's interesting! I guess it plays a key role in organic reactions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Carbonium is derived from "carbon" (from Latin "carbo", meaning coal or charcoal) and the suffix "-ium" (used in chemistry to denote elements). The term refers to a hypothetical or theoretical element related to carbon.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carbon' as the base element, and remember that 'carbonium' relates to a theoretical form of carbon, often discussed in chemistry.

Visually Confused Words