Arrange the following carbanions in the decreasing order of stability. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Carbanion stability increases with electron-withdrawing groups (stabilize negative charge) and decreases with electron-donating groups (destabilize negative charge). IV has CHO (strongly electron-withdrawing by inductive effect), most stable. I has Br (weakly electron-withdrawing). II is pure benzyl with resonance from ring. V has CH₃ (weakly electron-donating). III has OCH₃ (strongly electron-donating, destabilizes the carbanion). The critical factor is inductive electron-withdrawing ability: CHO > Br > H > CH₃ >