JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g1182
Which is the correct order of stability of the following free radicals?
A(CHX3)X2CH∙>CHX2=CH−CHX2∙>CHX3CHX2∙>CHX3∙
BCHX3∙>CHX3CHX2∙>(CHX3)X2CH∙>CHX2=CH−CHX2∙
CCHX2=CH−CHX2∙>CHX3CHX2∙>(CHX3)X2CH∙>CHX3∙
DCHX2=CH−CHX2∙>(CHX3)X2CH∙>CHX3CHX2∙>CHX3∙
Answer: D
The allyl radical is stabilised by resonance, which is stronger than hyperconjugation. Among alkyl radicals, stability increases with the number of alpha hydrogens: secondary (6) > primary (3) > methyl (0).