What is the most effective way to determine the stability of carbocations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the stability of carbocations, specifically evaluating the effects of different substituents on stability. It includes elements of homework-related inquiry and conceptual clarification regarding polar effects.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the answer to the stability question should be option 4, dismissing options 1 and 3 due to their maximum -I effect.
  • Another participant questions the reasoning behind concluding option 4 after narrowing it down to options 2 and 4.
  • A participant argues that OCH3 is an electron-withdrawing group, leading to a -R effect, which they believe makes the carbocation less stable, thus leaving option 4 as the only choice.
  • Some participants challenge the classification of OCH3, suggesting it has a +R effect, which would imply greater stability.
  • There is a discussion about the educational background of participants regarding polar effects, with one participant indicating that these concepts are part of a 12th-grade syllabus.
  • Another participant advises seeking a textbook with detailed solutions to better understand the concepts involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of OCH3 on carbocation stability, with no consensus reached on the correct interpretation of its influence. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the stability assessment of the carbocations in question.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate a lack of formal education on polar effects, suggesting that their understanding may be incomplete or based on self-study. This may affect the clarity of their arguments.

Priyadarshini
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Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Shouldn't the answer be 4?
It certainly isn't 1 or 3 because they have maximum -I effect
 
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How did you conclude it was 4 after you narrowed it down to 2 and 4?
 
Suraj M said:
How did you conclude it was 4 after you narrowed it down to 2 and 4?
OCH3 is an electron withdrawing group. So it will result in -R effect, making it less stable. Which leaves only option 4.
 
OCH3 is -R? Are you sure
I think you're confusing it with -I
 
Suraj M said:
OCH3 is -R? Are you sure
I think you're confusing it with -I
Oh, right. It has a +R effect, so more stable. Thank you!
 
Have you officially been taught all these polar effects? Because that's in 12th.
Are you reading ahead? If so I would advice you to solve from a book that provides detailed answers for these questions, it'll help you learn.
 
Suraj M said:
Have you officially been taught all these polar effects? Because that's in 12th.
Are you reading ahead? If so I would advice you to solve from a book that provides detailed answers for these questions, it'll help you learn.
At school we don't have any of these on syllabus, so I'm doing it on my own.
 
Okay then as I said
Choose a book with good solutions provided
And after a while you'll get a hang of it
Hey I think your school will have it next year ask your teacher
 

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