Arrange the ortho (I), meta (II) and para (III) methylbenzyl carbocations in decreasing order of stability.
(I)
(II)
(III)

Question

Arrange the ortho (I), meta (II) and para (III) methylbenzyl carbocations in decreasing order of stability. (I) (II) (III)

TestHub · Accepted Answer

CH₃ stabilises the cation through +I and hyperconjugation. Hyperconjugation reaches the cationic centre only from ortho and para, so the meta isomer gets only the weak +I effect and is the least stable.

The +I effect is stronger at the nearer ortho position, so ortho $>$ para.

Order : I $>$ III $>$ II.

Chemistry - GOC Question with Solution | TestHub

Options:

Doubts & Discussion