Question:

Which is the most unstable carbocation?

Updated On: Mar 23, 2024
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

The most unstable carbocation is the one with the least stable electronic configuration and the fewest stabilizing factors. The stability of carbocations is influenced by various factors, including electron-donating groups, neighboring alkyl groups, resonance effects, and hyperconjugation. 
In general, primary (1°) carbocations are less stable than secondary (2°) carbocations, which, in turn, are less stable than tertiary (3°) carbocations. This trend arises due to the increased electron-releasing inductive effect and hyperconjugation from adjacent alkyl groups in secondary and tertiary carbocations, providing more stability. 
Therefore, among the common carbocations, the most unstable carbocation is the primary (1°) carbocation

Was this answer helpful?
2
0

Top Questions on Organic Chemistry- Some Basic Principles and Techniques

View More Questions

Concepts Used:

Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques

Organic Chemistry is a subset of chemistry dealing with compounds of carbon. Therefore, we can say that Organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds and is 200-225 years old. Carbon forms bond with itself to form long chains of hydrocarbons, e.g.CH4, methane and CH3-CH3 ethane. Carbon has the ability to form carbon-carbon bonds quite elaborately. Polymers like polyethylene is a linear chain where hundreds of CH2 are linked together. 

Read Also: Organic Compounds

Importance of Organic Chemistry:

Organic chemistry is applicable in a variety of areas including-

  • Medicines: Example- Aspirin which is a headache medicine and Ibuprofen is a painkiller, both are organic compounds. Other examples include paracetamol.
  • Food: Example- Starch which is a carbohydrate is an organic compound and a constituent of rice and other grains. It is the source of energy.
  • Clothing: Example- Nylon, Polyester and Cotton are forms of organic compounds.
  • Fuels: Examples- Gasoline, Petrol and Diesel are organic compounds used in the automobile industry at large.