Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryGeneral Organic Chemistry
Which of the following carbanions is the most stable?
Correct answer
2
Step-by-step solution
The stability of carbanions is greatly influenced by factors such as resonance, hybridization, and aromaticity. Aromatic systems are exceptionally stable. Option (A): The cyclopropenyl anion is a cyclic, planar, and fully conjugated system with 4 electrons ( 2 from the double bond and 2 from the negative charge). According to Huckel's rule ( 4n electrons, where n=1 ), it is antiaromatic and therefore highly unstable. Option (B): The allyl anion is stabilized by resonance, as the negative charge is delocalized over