Consider the highly stable tert-butyl free radical intermediate (). What is the absolute total numbe — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The central $sp^2$ hybridized carbon atom, which bears the unpaired odd electron in a p-orbital, is flanked directly by three separate methyl ($-CH_3$) groups. Each methyl group contains 3 $\alpha$ -C-H $\sigma$ -bonds. Therefore, there are exactly $3 \times 3 = 9$ bonds available for hyperconjugative stabilization.