Decreasing order of stability of following carbocations

Question

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Analyzing Carbocation Stabilization by Oxygen
An adjacent oxygen atom can stabilize a carbocation via resonance (lone pair donation), which is a very strong effect.
- Structure B: The oxygen is directly adjacent to the positive charge (alpha position), allowing for resonance: . This is the most stable.
- Structure A: Secondary carbocation in a five-membered ring. Stable, but lacks resonance.
- Structure C: Carbocation is at the beta position to oxygen. No resonance possible, only inducti

More questions from GOC