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JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3g1211

In which of the following conversions does a carbocation change into a more stable carbocation by a single 1,2-shift?

  1. A (hydride shift)
  2. B (hydride shift)
  3. C (methyl shift)
  4. D (hydride shift)

Answer: B, C, D

A shift is favourable when it converts a primary to a secondary or tertiary cation, or a secondary to a tertiary cation. The first goes primary to tertiary, the second secondary to tertiary, and the third primary to tertiary. The last one goes from tertiary to secondary, which is unfavourable.
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