See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Analysis of Carbocation Stability **Key Principle:** Carbocation stability depends on electron-donating groups that stabilize the positive charge through resonance and inductive effects. **Evaluation of each option:** **(A) Cl-substituted:** Chlorine is electronegative and withdraws electron density through the inductive effect, destabilizing the carbocation. **(B) $NO_2$-substituted:** Nitro group is strongly electron-withdrawing (resonance + inductive), significantly destabilizing the positive charge. **(C) $OCH_3$-substituted:** Methoxy group is strongly electron-donating. The oxygen's lone pair resonates into the benzene ring, directly stabilizing the benzylic carbocation through resonance: $$\text{Resonance stabilization: } R-O: \rightarrow R-O^+=\text{(canonical forms)}$$ This creates significant electron density at the benzylic carbon. **(D) Simple benzyl:** No electron-donating substituent; less stabilization than (C). **Conclusion:** Option **(C)** is most stable because the $OCH_3$ group's oxygen lone pair provides the strongest resonance stabilization of the carbocation via electron donation to the aromatic system.