While benzyl carbocations are resonance stabilized, the tertiary butyl carbocation () is found to be exceptionally stable, even more so than the benzyl carbocation. What is the primary reason for this

Question

While benzyl carbocations are resonance stabilized, the tertiary butyl carbocation ($(CH_3)_3C^+$) is found to be exceptionally stable, even more so than the benzyl carbocation. What is the primary reason for this?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. In the tertiary butyl carbocation, the presence of 9 -hydrogen atoms contributes towards extensive hyperconjugation (9 hyperconjugative structures). This massive delocalization of electrons makes it even more stable than the benzyl carbocation.

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