Question

Rank the three carbocations in order of increasing stability?

1) Carbocation 1 < Carbocation 2 < Carbocation 3
2) Carbocation 1 > Carbocation 2 > Carbocation 3
3) Carbocation 1 = Carbocation 2 = Carbocation 3
4) The stability cannot be determined

Answer 1

The stability of carbocations increases with more alkyl groups attached, as they provide inductive stabilization to the positive charge. Thus, carbocations are ranked in terms of stability from primary to tertiary.

Step-by-step explanation:

To rank the three carbocations in order of increasing stability, we need to consider factors such as the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon atom.

• A primary carbocation (RCH₂+) has one alkyl group attached.
• A secondary carbocation (R₂CH+) has two alkyl groups attached.
• A tertiary carbocation (R₃C+) has three alkyl groups attached.

Stability increases in this order: primary < secondary < tertiary, because alkyl groups can donate electron density through an inductive effect, stabilizing the positive charge on the carbocation. Therefore, more alkyl substituents mean greater stability. Based on this information, the correct ranking is Carbocation 1 < Carbocation 2 < Carbocation 3, assuming Carbocation 1 is primary, Carbocation 2 is secondary, and Carbocation 3 is tertiary.