Question

In which pairs, the first ion is more stable than the second?

• (B) \& (D) only
• (A) \& (B) only
• (B) \& (C) only
• (A) \& (C) only

Hint:

Resonance and inductive effects play a key role in the stability of ions, with electron-donating groups increasing stability and electron-withdrawing groups decreasing it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the pair (A), the ion with the methoxy group (\( \text{OMe} \)) is more stable than the one with the methyl group (\( \text{Me} \)) because the oxygen in the methoxy group can donate electron density via resonance, making it more stable. In pair (B), the nitro group (\( \text{NO}_2 \)) is an electron-withdrawing group, making the ion less stable than the one with the oxygen-nitrogen double bond (\( \text{O,N} \)), which stabilizes the ion through resonance.
Thus, the correct answer is (2).