Question

Rank the following carbocations in order of increasing stability. “1” is the least stable, “4” is the most stable

or ot an CH3 or

Answer 1

All of the given carbocations are alkyl carbocations which are stabilised by hyperconjugation. The extent of hyperconjugative stability is directly proportional to the number of α-H atoms with respect to the positively charged C atom. So

ge gan 2 ay 2 x H - 3 atoms atoms X-H atoms 7 x-H NO X-H atoms most stable least stable