Chapter 8, Problem 19CTQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Reason for rearrangement shown below shows downhill in terms of potential energy should be explained.

  

Concept introduction: Carbocation is a general term employed for a postively charged carbon irrespective of valency of carbon. In carbocation, carbon is bonded to 3 atoms or groups and has only sextet of electrons so it behaves as an electron-deficient species. It is $s{p}^2$ hybridized with a vacant $p$ orbital has a planar geometry.

The carbocation formed may rearrange itself to a more stable carbocation through a $1,2-$ hydride or $1,2-$ alkyl shift. The rearrangement of carbocation occurs due to higher stability of $3°$ carbocation compared to $2°$ carbocation. Such a rearrangement during reaction occurs via carbocation intermediate is known as Wagen-Meerwein rearrangement.