Question

Why OCH3 being an Electron withdrawing group is more stable for the given Benzylium cation? Or is there a printing mistake?

Answer 1

.......................................

Answer 2

OCH3 is an electron withdrawing group. Thus, it shows -I effect but since it is positioned on para, it also shows + R effect which makes the cation more stable
And Resonance is always dominant over inductive effect.

So, it's not -I but +R which makes it more stable.

Ur welcome✌