How many total -hydrogen atoms are available to provide stability via hyperconjugative structures in — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question
Question
How many total $\alpha$ -hydrogen atoms are available to provide stability via hyperconjugative structures in a tertiary butyl carbocation ($(CH_3)_3C^+$)?
Answer: 9
💡 Solution & Explanation
The tertiary butyl carbocation consists of a central positively charged carbon bonded to three methyl groups. Each methyl group has 3 hydrogens on the $\alpha$ -carbon. Therefore, there are $3 \times 3 = 9$ total $\alpha$ -hydrogens capable of hyperconjugation.
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