Which of the following cations is least stable?

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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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.
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