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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3g1060

Which of the following free radicals is the most stable?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Answer: D

The benzyl radical delocalises the unpaired electron into the benzene ring (ortho and para positions), giving several resonance structures. The alkyl radicals only gain hyperconjugative stabilisation, which is smaller. Benzyl is the most stable.
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