How many hyperconjugable -hydrogen atoms are strictly present in the tert-butyl carbocation ()? — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hyperconjugation requires $\alpha$ -hydrogens attached to an $sp^3$ carbon directly adjacent to the $sp^2$ center. The central $C^+$ is bonded to three methyl ($-CH_3$) groups. Therefore, $3 \times 3 = 9$ $\alpha$ -hydrogens are available to stabilize the empty p-orbital.