In which of the following compounds, the C–Cl bond ionisation shall give most stable carbonium ion?
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
Answer
(4) [figure]
Solution
Ionisation of C–Cl gives the carbocations:
(1) C6H5 CH2 – primary benzylic
(2) O2N-CH2- CH2 – primary, destabilised by the strong −I effect of NO2
(3) (CH3)2 CH – secondary
(4) (CH3)3 C – tertiary
As per NCERT, the stability of carbocations is 3 > 2 > 1 , because alkyl groups release electrons by the +I effect and by hyperconjugation.
The tert-butyl cation is stabilised by the +I effect of three CH3 groups and by nine α-H hyperconjugative structures ⇒ the most stable carbonium ion.
Answer: (4)