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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g3241

Which of the carbanions shown is the most stable? (The hydrocarbon shown is the parent of one of them.)

  1. AStructure A
  2. BStructure B
  3. CStructure C
  4. DStructure D

Answer: B

The hydrocarbon shown is propene; loss of a proton from its methyl group gives the allyl anion, whose negative charge is delocalised over two terminal carbons by resonance. The ethyl, n-propyl and isopropyl anions are localised sp carbanions, and alkyl groups destabilise a carbanion through their electron-donating effect, so the allyl anion is the most stable.
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