Chemistry - Hydrocarbon Question with Solution | TestHub

Bond dissociation energy (BDE) is inversely proportional to the stability of the free radical formed after homolytic cleavage. C₂ has no hydrogen atoms attached because it is a quaternary sp² carbon. Cleaving the C₃–H bond forms a highly stable, resonance-stabilized allylic radical. Cleaving the C₄–H bond forms a moderately stable secondary (2°) alkyl radical. Cleaving the C₁–H bond forms a least stable primary (1°) free radical, meaning this bond requires the most energy to break and thus has the highest dissociation energy (Option A).