Which amongst the following is the most stable carbocation?
- CH3
- CH3 CH2
- CH3- CH3 | CH
- CH3- CH3 | CH3 | C
Answer
(4) CH3- CH3 | CH3 | C
Solution
As per NCERT, the stability of carbocations increases with the number of alkyl groups on the positive carbon, because of the +I effect and hyperconjugation (more C–H bonds in conjugation).
Number of α-hydrogens: CH3 = 0, CH3 CH2 = 3, (CH3)2 CH = 6, (CH3)3 C = 9
⇒ Order of stability: 3 > 2 > 1 > methyl
∴ The tert-butyl cation (CH3)3 C is the most stable.
Answer: (4)