Question Detail

CHM 102 Practice Questions Objective Question

Question

The order of stability of carbanions is
Options
A primary > secondary > tertiary
Correct Answer
B secondary > tertiary > primary
C tertiary > secondary > primary
D tertiary > primary > secondary
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Carbanions are stabilized by electron-withdrawing groups and are destabilized by electron-donating alkyl groups. Therefore, a primary carbanion (with fewer alkyl groups) is more stable than a tertiary carbanion (with more alkyl groups). The order is primary > secondary > tertiary.

Hint

How do alkyl groups affect a negative charge?

Question Info