The stability of carbanions in the following [figure] is in the order of
- (iv) > (ii) > (iii) > (i)
- (i) > (iii) > (ii) > (iv)
- (i) > (ii) > (iii) > (iv)
- (ii) > (iii) > (iv) > (i)
Answer
(3) (i) > (ii) > (iii) > (iv)
Solution
As per NCERT, a carbanion is more stable when the carbon carrying the negative charge has more s-character, because an s-rich orbital holds the lone pair closer to the nucleus.
(i) RC C: the charge is on an sp carbon (50% s-character) — most stable.
(ii) phenyl carbanion and (iii) vinyl carbanion: the charge is on an sp2 carbon (33% s-character); in (ii) the lone pair is further stabilised by the -I effect of the sp2 carbons of the ring, so (ii) > (iii).
(iv) R3C- CH2: the charge is on an sp3 carbon (25% s-character) and the alkyl group (+I effect) pushes more electron density onto it — least stable.
Order of stability: (i) > (ii) > (iii) > (iv)
Answer: (3)