Question
Chemistry Question on Organic Chemistry
Methyl group attached to a positively charged carbon atom stabilizes the carbocation due to
A
–I inductive effect
B
electromeric effect
C
hyperconjugation
D
mesomeric effect
Answer
hyperconjugation
Explanation
Solution
A methyl group attached to a carbocation stabilizes it through hyperconjugation. Hyper-conjugation involves the interaction of the electrons in the C-H sigma bonds of the methyl group with the empty p-orbital of the positively charged carbon. This delocalization of electron density stabilizes the carbocation.