Which of the following molecule/species is most stable?
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Answer
(2) [figure]
Solution
Hückel rule: cyclic, planar, fully conjugated with (4n+2) electrons ⇒ aromatic (extra stable)
(A): one sp3 ring carbon ⇒ (A) is non-aromatic
(B): cyclopropenyl cation, 2 π electrons (n = 0) ⇒ (B) is aromatic
(C): cyclopentadienyl cation, 4 π electrons ⇒ (C) is antiaromatic
(D): 2 π electrons + lone pair in the ring = 4 electrons ⇒ (D) is antiaromatic
∴ (B) is the most stable
Answer: (2)