QUESTION 3 Which of the following cations is least stable?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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**Question 3**

Which of the following cations is least stable?

- Option 1: A branched cation structure with a positive charge at the tertiary carbon.

- Option 2: A cyclopentenyl cation with the positive charge on a carbon atom.

- Option 3: A secondary carbon cation with a positive charge on the secondary carbon.

- Option 4: A cyclopentyl cation with the positive charge on a carbon atom in the ring.

**Explanation:**

The question presents four different cation structures. Candidates are supposed to analyze the molecular structure of each cation to determine which is the least stable. Stability of cations generally depends on the degree of alkyl substitution, resonance, and the nature of the surrounding atoms.

**Options Overview:**

1. **Option 1**: The cation with the positive charge on the tertiary carbon is potentially stabilized by hyperconjugation and the inductive effect from the surrounding carbon atoms.

2. **Option 2**: The cyclopentenyl cation may benefit from resonance stability.

3. **Option 3**: This secondary carbon cation has limited stabilizing effects such as hyperconjugation compared to tertiary cations.

4. **Option 4**: The cyclopentyl cation might have some resonance stability due to the ring structure.

Students should use their knowledge of organic chemistry to evaluate the stability of these cations based on their structural characteristics.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 3** Which of the following cations is least stable? - Option 1: A branched cation structure with a positive charge at the tertiary carbon. - Option 2: A cyclopentenyl cation with the positive charge on a carbon atom. - Option 3: A secondary carbon cation with a positive charge on the secondary carbon. - Option 4: A cyclopentyl cation with the positive charge on a carbon atom in the ring. **Explanation:** The question presents four different cation structures. Candidates are supposed to analyze the molecular structure of each cation to determine which is the least stable. Stability of cations generally depends on the degree of alkyl substitution, resonance, and the nature of the surrounding atoms. **Options Overview:** 1. **Option 1**: The cation with the positive charge on the tertiary carbon is potentially stabilized by hyperconjugation and the inductive effect from the surrounding carbon atoms. 2. **Option 2**: The cyclopentenyl cation may benefit from resonance stability. 3. **Option 3**: This secondary carbon cation has limited stabilizing effects such as hyperconjugation compared to tertiary cations. 4. **Option 4**: The cyclopentyl cation might have some resonance stability due to the ring structure. Students should use their knowledge of organic chemistry to evaluate the stability of these cations based on their structural characteristics.
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Sp3 hybridized carbon shows +Inductive effect.

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