The parent cation is shown. Select all of the substituted cations shown that are LESS stable than the parent cation.

AStructure A
BStructure B
CStructure C
DStructure D

Answer: A, B, D

Electron-withdrawing groups destabilise a benzyl cation, whereas a para methoxy group stabilises it by resonance. The para and meta nitro and the para trifluoromethyl derivatives are therefore less stable than the parent.

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