Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryGeneral Organic Chemistry
Identify the correct order of stability for the following quinones: I. II. III.
Options
- AIII > I > II
- BI > III > II
- CI = III > II
- DI = II > III
Correct answer
B. I > III > II
Step-by-step solution
The given compounds are: I. p-benzoquinone II. o-benzoquinone III. diphenoquinone In p-benzoquinone (I), the two carbonyl groups are at the para position. Their dipoles are directed opposite to each other, which minimizes dipole-dipole repulsion, making it quite stable. In o-benzoquinone (II), the two carbonyl groups are adjacent (ortho position). This causes strong dipole-dipole repulsion, making it highly unstable and reactive. In diphenoquinone (III), there are two quinonoid rings. The formation of this structur