Carbocation Stability: The Power of Hyperconjugation

The video tutorial explains the stability of carbocations, focusing on the role of hyperconjugation. Tertiary carbocations are more stable than secondary and primary ones due to more resonating structures formed by hyperconjugation. The positive charge in tertiary carbocations is delocalized over more centers, reducing its magnitude and increasing stability. Secondary carbocations have fewer resonating structures, leading to less stability, while primary carbocations are the least stable due to minimal hyperconjugation.

What is the primary reason for the increased stability of tertiary carbocations compared to primary and secondary carbocations?

• Formation of more resonating structures

• Presence of more alpha hydrogens

• Greater electronegativity

• Higher molecular weight

In the context of hyperconjugation, what is shared by multiple centers in a tertiary carbocation?

• Positive charge

• Neutral charge

• No charge

• Negative charge

How many alpha hydrogens are involved in hyperconjugation for a secondary carbocation?

• Three

• Nine

• Twelve

• Six

Which type of carbocation forms the least number of resonating structures due to hyperconjugation?

• Tertiary carbocation

• Quaternary carbocation

• Secondary carbocation

• Primary carbocation

As you move from tertiary to primary carbocations, what happens to the number of alpha hydrogens?

• Doubles

• Remains the same

• Decreases

• Increases