Q. Which of the following carbocations is expected to be most stable ?
A) [image:2018_Q64_opt_a.png]
B) [image:2018_Q64_opt_b.png]
C) [image:2018_Q64_opt_c.png]
D) [image:2018_Q64_opt_d.png]
Explanation
[Solution] The arenium ion is most stable when the positive charge is not on the carbon bearing the electron-withdrawing $-NO_2$ group or adjacent to it; structure (1) has the charge farthest from the $NO_2$-bearing carbon. Answer (1).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.