Question

Identify the most stable carbocation among primary, secondary, and tertiary.

• A. Primary carbocation
• B. Secondary carbocation
• C. Tertiary carbocation
• D. All are equally stable

Hint:

Carbocation stability increases with alkyl substitution: \(3^\circ > 2^\circ > 1^\circ > CH_3^+\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Carbocation stability depends mainly on:
• Inductive effect
• Hyperconjugation Alkyl groups donate electron density and stabilize the positive charge.

Step 1: Compare the types of carbocations.
• Primary carbocation: one alkyl group
• Secondary carbocation: two alkyl groups
• Tertiary carbocation: three alkyl groups

Step 2: Stability order. More alkyl groups provide stronger electron donation and hyperconjugation. \[ 3^\circ > 2^\circ > 1^\circ \]

Step 3: Conclusion. The tertiary carbocation is the most stable.