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

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

TestHub · Accepted Answer

CN is a -M and -I group, so it stabilises a benzylic carbanion. -M acts only from ortho and para, so meta is the least stable. The -I effect is stronger at the nearer ortho position, so ortho > para. Order : I > III > II.

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