singlet carbenes
Singlet carbenes are a type of reactive intermediate in organic chemistry characterized by having two non-bonding electrons in the same orbital. Unlike their triplet counterparts, singlet carbenes have a paired electron configuration, making them highly reactive and short-lived. They can participate in various chemical reactions, including addition to double bonds and rearrangements.
These species are often generated in the laboratory through methods such as photolysis or thermolysis of precursors. Singlet carbenes play a crucial role in synthetic chemistry, enabling the formation of complex molecules and serving as intermediates in organic reactions. Their unique properties make them a subject of interest in both research and industrial applications.