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
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question
The image shows two chemical structures, each with a positively charged carbon depicted by a "+" symbol inside a circle, indicating a carbocation.

1. **First Structure (Top):**
   - A tertiary carbocation is present. The positively charged carbon is bonded to three other carbon atoms, forming a Y-shaped structure.

2. **Second Structure (Bottom):**
   - A secondary carbocation is present. The positively charged carbon is bonded to two other carbons, forming a V-shaped structure.

Each structure is accompanied by a bullet point indicating it may be part of a multiple-choice question or comparison. There is no additional text or labeling.
Transcribed Image Text:The image shows two chemical structures, each with a positively charged carbon depicted by a "+" symbol inside a circle, indicating a carbocation. 1. **First Structure (Top):** - A tertiary carbocation is present. The positively charged carbon is bonded to three other carbon atoms, forming a Y-shaped structure. 2. **Second Structure (Bottom):** - A secondary carbocation is present. The positively charged carbon is bonded to two other carbons, forming a V-shaped structure. Each structure is accompanied by a bullet point indicating it may be part of a multiple-choice question or comparison. There is no additional text or labeling.
Title: Stability of Cations

Question: 
"Which of the following cations is least stable?"

Diagram Explanation:
1. **First Cation:**
   - Structure: An open chain with a positively charged carbon atom.
   - Description: The structure appears to be a branched alkyl chain.

2. **Second Cation:**
   - Structure: A five-membered cyclic ring with a positively charged carbon atom.
   - Description: This is likely a cyclopentyl cation.

3. **Third Cation:**
   - Structure: A branched chain with a positively charged carbon atom.
   - Description: A propyl cation with branching at the charged center.

Instructions: 
- Analyze the structures to determine which cation exhibits the least stability based on factors such as hyperconjugation, inductive effects, and resonance.

Discussion:
Consider the stability factors for carbocations, such as the degree of substitution, resonance stabilization, and ring strain.
Transcribed Image Text:Title: Stability of Cations Question: "Which of the following cations is least stable?" Diagram Explanation: 1. **First Cation:** - Structure: An open chain with a positively charged carbon atom. - Description: The structure appears to be a branched alkyl chain. 2. **Second Cation:** - Structure: A five-membered cyclic ring with a positively charged carbon atom. - Description: This is likely a cyclopentyl cation. 3. **Third Cation:** - Structure: A branched chain with a positively charged carbon atom. - Description: A propyl cation with branching at the charged center. Instructions: - Analyze the structures to determine which cation exhibits the least stability based on factors such as hyperconjugation, inductive effects, and resonance. Discussion: Consider the stability factors for carbocations, such as the degree of substitution, resonance stabilization, and ring strain.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY