JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g1011
Which of the following carbanions is the most stable?
A(CHX3)X3CX−
BCHX3CHX2X−
CCHX3X−
D(CHX3)X2CHX−
Answer: C
Alkyl groups are +I and push electron density onto a carbanion carbon, which already carries a negative charge, and this destabilises it. The order is CHX3X−> primary > secondary > tertiary, so the methyl anion is the most stable.