Question 32 of 34intermediate🔧 ApplyMCQ1 mark

Which of the following carbocation is most stable?

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 8.38
For More Understanding

Explanation

Option (B) (CH3)3C+(CH_3)_3C^+ is a tertiary carbocation. The stability of carbocations increases with the number of alkyl groups directly attached to the positively charged carbon atom due to inductive and hyperconjugation effects. Since (CH3)3C+(CH_3)_3C^+ has three alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon, it is the most stable among the given options.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the type of each carbocation. Option (B) (CH3)3C+(CH_3)_3C^+ is a tertiary carbocation, Option (D) is a secondary carbocation, and Options (A) and (C) are primary carbocations.

  2. Step 2: Recall the rule for carbocation stability: greater the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon atom, the greater the stabilisation due to inductive and hyperconjugation effects.

  3. Step 3: Conclude that the tertiary carbocation (CH3)3C+(CH_3)_3C^+ is the most stable, making Option (B) the correct answer.

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