Question

Arrange stability of the given carbon cation in decreasing order: 

• A. (iii) > (ii) > (i) > (iv)
• B. (i) > (iii) > (ii) > (iv)
• C. (iii) > (i) > (ii) > (iv)
• D. (ii) > (iii) > (i) > (iv)

Hint:

Electron-donating groups (e.g., \(NH_2\), OH) stabilize carbocations, whereas electron-withdrawing groups (e.g., Cl) destabilize them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The stability of a carbocation is influenced by the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups attached to the benzene ring. - (iii) The \(NH_2\) group is an electron-donating group, stabilizing the positive charge on the carbon cation, making it the most stable. - (ii) The OH group is also an electron-donating group, but less effective than \(NH_2\), making the carbocation less stable than (iii). - (i) The OCH3 group is electron-donating, but not as effective as OH and \(NH_2\), so this carbocation is less stable. - (iv) The Cl group is electron-withdrawing, making this carbocation the least stable. Therefore, the correct order is: (iii) > (ii) > (i) > (iv).