Arrange the following in increasing order of stability 1. (CH3)2- C-CH2-CH3 2. (CH3)3- C 3. (CH3)2- CH 4. CH3- CH2 5. CH3
- 5 < 4 < 3 < 1 < 2
- 4 < 5 < 3 < 1 < 2
- 1 < 5 < 4 < 3 < 2
- 5 < 4 < 3 < 2 < 1
Answer
(1) 5 < 4 < 3 < 1 < 2
Solution
Stability of carbocations: 3° > 2° > 1° > methyl, due to +I effect and hyperconjugation of alkyl groups.
5 ( CH3, methyl) < 4 (1°) < 3 (2°, isopropyl) < tertiary cations 1 and 2
Between the two 3° cations:
2 (tert-butyl) has 9 α-hydrogens; 1 (tert-pentyl) has 8 α-hydrogens.
⇒ 2 has more hyperconjugative structures, so 1 < 2.
∴ 5 < 4 < 3 < 1 < 2
Answer: (1)