Arrange the following carbocations in decreasing order of stability.ABC
(A)A > C > B
(B)A > B > C✓ Correct
(C)C > B > A
(D)C > A > B
Answer: (B)
Solution
Carbocation stability is determined by resonance and hyperconjugation. Structure A has resonance stabilization from the oxygen lone pair plus α-hydrogen hyperconjugation. Structure B has resonance from oxygen but fewer α-hydrogens. Structure C has resonance from oxygen but is less stabilized due to ring strain and position. The order is A > B > C.
JEE Main · 2022 · 24 Jun 2022 · Shift 2 · Single correct option