Ochem question

[chartingappseas]

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Can someone please explain to me why B would be higher energy than C?

I got this question wrong because I thought that the oxygen, being quite electronegative, would not be able to hold that positive charge very well at all and would be even higher energy than the secondary carbocation.

I know that carbocations are highly reactive/unstable/high energy, and the one labeled B is a secondary carbocation, but I would like to understand why that's less stable/more energetic than C.

Thank you!!

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

B is less stable because the carbocation does not have a full octet. The oxycation is more stable with its full octet + being able to draw electron density from the hydrogen and carbons that it is bonded to.

 

[chartingappseas]

B is less stable because the carbocation does not have a full octet. The oxycation is more stable with its full octet + being able to draw electron density from the hydrogen and carbons that it is bonded to.

Thanks, this was clear and helpful!

 

[ClashRoyaleKing]

Thanks, this was clear and helpful!

I'm glad to help. I love chemistry.