Which is the most stable radical?

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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I’m having hard time Finding the most stable structure can you please help?
### Which is the most stable radical?

Below are four different chemical structures, each containing a radical. Identify the most stable radical among the following options:

1. ![Option 1](#)
2. ![Option 2](#)
3. ![Option 3](#)
4. ![Option 4](#)

**Explanation of Structures:**
1. **First structure (Option 1):** This is a primary radical.
   \[
   \text{{CH}}_{3}-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\text{{CH}}_{2} \cdot
   \]

2. **Second structure (Option 2):** This is a primary radical adjoining a double bond (conjugated system).
   \[
   \text{{CH}}_{3}-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\overline{}\text{{C}}=\text{{CH}}_{2}\cdot
   \]

3. **Third structure (Option 3):** This is a secondary radical.
   \[
   \text{{CH}}_{3}-\text{{C}}H \cdot-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\text{{CH}}_{3}
   \]

4. **Fourth structure (Option 4):** This is an allylic radical, adjacent to a double bond.
   \[
   \text{{CH}}_{2}\cdot-\text{{CH}}=\text{{CH}}-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\text{{CH}}_{3}
   \]

**Detailed Analysis and Answer:**

The stability of radicals is influenced by several factors, including hyperconjugation, resonance, and the inductive effect. Among these factors, resonance plays a crucial role in stabilizing radicals.

### Allylic Radical (Option 4)
The allylic radical, present in Option 4, is stabilized by resonance. The radical electron is delocalized through the π-system of the conjugated double bond, significantly increasing its stability. This delocalization is not present in the other structures to the same extent.

### Conclusion
Considering the stabilization effects, the most stable radical is found in the fourth structure (Option 4). The allylic radical benefits from resonance stabilization, making it the most stable radical in the set.

**Correct Answer: Option 4**:

```plaintext
 ○ Option 1
 ○ Option 2
 ☑ Option 3
 ○
Transcribed Image Text:### Which is the most stable radical? Below are four different chemical structures, each containing a radical. Identify the most stable radical among the following options: 1. ![Option 1](#) 2. ![Option 2](#) 3. ![Option 3](#) 4. ![Option 4](#) **Explanation of Structures:** 1. **First structure (Option 1):** This is a primary radical. \[ \text{{CH}}_{3}-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\text{{CH}}_{2} \cdot \] 2. **Second structure (Option 2):** This is a primary radical adjoining a double bond (conjugated system). \[ \text{{CH}}_{3}-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\overline{}\text{{C}}=\text{{CH}}_{2}\cdot \] 3. **Third structure (Option 3):** This is a secondary radical. \[ \text{{CH}}_{3}-\text{{C}}H \cdot-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\text{{CH}}_{3} \] 4. **Fourth structure (Option 4):** This is an allylic radical, adjacent to a double bond. \[ \text{{CH}}_{2}\cdot-\text{{CH}}=\text{{CH}}-\text{{CH}}_{2}-\text{{CH}}_{3} \] **Detailed Analysis and Answer:** The stability of radicals is influenced by several factors, including hyperconjugation, resonance, and the inductive effect. Among these factors, resonance plays a crucial role in stabilizing radicals. ### Allylic Radical (Option 4) The allylic radical, present in Option 4, is stabilized by resonance. The radical electron is delocalized through the π-system of the conjugated double bond, significantly increasing its stability. This delocalization is not present in the other structures to the same extent. ### Conclusion Considering the stabilization effects, the most stable radical is found in the fourth structure (Option 4). The allylic radical benefits from resonance stabilization, making it the most stable radical in the set. **Correct Answer: Option 4**: ```plaintext ○ Option 1 ○ Option 2 ☑ Option 3 ○
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