See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Analysis of Carbocation Stability **Identifying the carbocations:** - (A): Primary carbocation ($CH_3-CH_2^+$) - (B): Primary carbocation ($CH_3-CH_2-CH_2^+$) - (C): Secondary carbocation (with two methyl groups attached) - (D): Tertiary carbocation (three alkyl groups attached to the central carbon) **Stability order of carbocations:** Carbocation stability depends on **alkyl group substitution** at the positively charged carbon: $$\text{Tertiary} > \text{Secondary} > \text{Primary} > \text{Methyl}$$ This follows the **hyperconjugation and inductive effect** principle—more alkyl groups stabilize the positive charge through: - σ-electron donation to the electron-deficient carbon - Greater dispersal of positive charge **Applying to the options:** - (A) & (B): Primary carbocations—least stabilized - (C): Secondary carbocation—moderately stabilized - (D): Tertiary carbocation (central carbon bonded to 3 methyl groups)—**most stabilized** **Answer: (D)** is the **least stable** among these options? *Note: If the question asks for the **most stable**, the answer is clearly **(D)**. If truly asking for the least stable, it would be **(A) or (B)** as primary carbocations. Verify the question wording—typically **(D) is most stable**.*