The correct order of stability for the following carbanions is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
The correct order of stability for the following carbanions is:
Correct answer:A
Standard Method
Given: The carbanions are , , and .
Find: The correct order of stability.
Concept: The stability of a carbanion depends mainly on the hybridization of the negatively charged carbon. Greater the -character of the orbital holding the negative charge, greater is the stability.
Step 1: Analyze the hybridization of each carbanion.
Step 2: Apply the stability rule.
Higher -character means greater electronegativity and better stabilization of the negative charge.
Step 3: Write the correct order.
Therefore, the correct option is A.
Assuming all carbanions have similar stability because they all carry one negative charge is incorrect. The hybridization of the negatively charged carbon matters. Compare the -character first.
Reversing the stability order by using the alkyl carbocation trend is wrong. For carbanions, greater -character stabilizes the negative charge, so is more stable than and .
Ignoring which carbon actually carries the negative charge leads to a wrong conclusion. Identify the hybridization of the charged carbon, not the molecule as a whole.
Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.