Question

Benzyl carbocation is more stable than ethyl carbocation. Justify

Answer 1

It is because of resonance which occurs in benzene ring which mekes benzyl carbonation more stable.

Answer 2

Benzyl carbocation is more stable than ethyl carbocation due to the resonance present in its structure.

• Benzyl carbocation contains a benzene ring with alternate double and single bonds, called conjugated bonds.

• Due to this conjugation, the benzene ring shows resonance in its structure.

• Resonance imparts stability to a structure, and due to these resonating structures, benzyl carbocation is quite stable.

• Ethyl carbocation, on the other hand, is an aliphatic chain of two carbon atoms showing no resonance in its structure.

• Therefore, benzyl carbocation is more stable than ethyl carbocation.