From the following, the least stable structure is :
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Answer
(4) [figure]
Solution
All four are canonical (resonance) structures of CH2=CH-CH=CH-NO2; each has two π bonds and the same number of formal charges.
Rules for the stability of canonical structures:
opposite charges on adjacent atoms are acceptable (they attract);
like charges on adjacent atoms make a structure highly unstable (strong repulsion).
(1), (2), (3): every positive carbon is bonded to a neutral or negatively charged atom.
(4): the carbon carrying ⊕ is bonded directly to the nitrogen of the nitro group, which also carries ⊕ like charges on adjacent atoms.
Structure (4) is the least stable.
Answer: (4)