The correct order of stability of the carbocations A-C is

F2 Madhuri Teaching 10.01.2023 D12

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  1. C > A > B
  2. A > C > B
  3. B > C > A
  4. C > B > A

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : C > B > A
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Concept:

Stability of Carbocation:

  • The stability of a carbocation depends on several factors like hyperconjugation, resonance, and inductive effect. 
  • Out of these factors, the resonance effect is the most important factor for the stability of a carbocation.
  • The observed order of stability for carbocations is as follows:

tertiary>secondary>primary>methyl.

Explanation:

  • In carbocation A, the positive charge resides on an sp hybridized C atom. An sp hybridized orbital destabilizes the positive charge. This is why carbocation A is the least stable among the three carbocations.
  • Whereas for carbocation B and C, the positive charge resides on an sp2 hybridized C atom. The carbocation B is stabilized due to both hyperconjugation and inductive effect of the Ethyl (-CH2CH3) group.

F2 Madhuri Teaching 10.01.2023 D13

  • Carbocation C is the most stable carbocation among all the three carbocations as it is a resonance-stabilized carbocation.
  • All the resonating structures of carbocation C are equivalent. As equivalent resonating structures are more important than non-equivalent resonating structures, carbocation C is the most stable carbocation.

Conclusion:

ThereforeThe correct order of stability of the carbocations is C > B > A.

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