Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Options
- AThe benzyl carbocation is stabilized by resonance.
- BProtonation increases the electrophilic nature of a carbonyl group.
- CCF ₃ SO ₃⁻ is a better leaving group than CH ₃ SO ₃⁻ .
Correct answer
3
Step-by-step solution
Statement (A) is correct. The benzyl carbocation ( C ₆ H ₅ CH ₂⁺ ) is stabilized by the delocalization of the positive charge over the benzene ring through resonance. Statement (B) is correct. Protonation of the carbonyl oxygen atom creates a formal positive charge on oxygen, which strongly withdraws electron density from the carbonyl carbon. This increases the partial positive charge on the carbon, making it more electrophilic. Statement (C) is correct. The triflate ion ( CF ₃ SO ₃⁻ ) is a better leaving group tha