Carbenes are highly reactive chemical species that contain a carbon atom with only two bonds instead of the usual four. This unique structure gives carbenes a neutral charge and makes them important intermediates in various chemical reactions, particularly in organic synthesis. They can exist in two forms: singlet carbenes, which have paired electrons, and triplet carbenes, which have unpaired electrons. Due to their reactivity, carbenes can participate in a range of reactions, including insertion reactions and cyclopropanation. They are often generated in the laboratory from precursors like diazo compounds or halomethanes. Understanding carbenes is crucial for chemists working on developing new materials and pharmaceuticals.