The carbocation below is significantly more stable than a typical primary alkyl carbocation. Explain this statement. Draw clear structures where appropriate.

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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**The carbocation below is significantly more stable than a typical primary alkyl carbocation. Explain this statement. Draw clear structures where appropriate.**

The image includes a diagram of a benzyl carbocation. This structure consists of a benzene ring with a positively charged carbon atom (carbocation) directly attached to it. The positive charge is typically shown with a "+" sign next to the carbon atom.

**Explanation:**

In a benzyl carbocation, the positive charge is stabilized by resonance with the aromatic benzene ring. The electrons from the double bonds in the benzene ring can delocalize and spread out the positive charge over the entire ring, thus providing significant stabilization compared to a typical primary alkyl carbocation, where such delocalization is not possible.

**Structures:**

- Draw the resonance structures showing the delocalization of the positive charge within the benzene ring.

This explanation highlights the concept of resonance stabilization in organic chemistry and the unique stability provided by the aromatic system.

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Transcribed Image Text:The text on the educational website would read: --- **The carbocation below is significantly more stable than a typical primary alkyl carbocation. Explain this statement. Draw clear structures where appropriate.** The image includes a diagram of a benzyl carbocation. This structure consists of a benzene ring with a positively charged carbon atom (carbocation) directly attached to it. The positive charge is typically shown with a "+" sign next to the carbon atom. **Explanation:** In a benzyl carbocation, the positive charge is stabilized by resonance with the aromatic benzene ring. The electrons from the double bonds in the benzene ring can delocalize and spread out the positive charge over the entire ring, thus providing significant stabilization compared to a typical primary alkyl carbocation, where such delocalization is not possible. **Structures:** - Draw the resonance structures showing the delocalization of the positive charge within the benzene ring. This explanation highlights the concept of resonance stabilization in organic chemistry and the unique stability provided by the aromatic system. ---
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