Consider a standard, localized methyl carbanion (). What is the total number of unshared electrons (lone pair electrons) present on the central carbon atom?

Question

Consider a standard, localized methyl carbanion ($CH_3^-$). What is the total number of unshared electrons (lone pair electrons) present on the central carbon atom?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 2. A carbanion is generated when a carbon atom retains both electrons from a cleaved bond. It forms three bonds (6 shared electrons) and retains one unshared lone pair (2 electrons), making the total number of unshared electrons exactly 2.

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