Question
Arrange the following carbanions in the decreasing order of stability. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
JEE Main
Chemistry
General Organic Chemistry
2026
JEE Main 2026 (24 January Shift 1)
JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. I > IV > II > V > III
- B. I > II > IV > V > III
- C. IV > I > II > V > III
- D. IV > II > I > III > V
Answer
C. IV > I > II > V > III
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 > OCH₃. Therefore: IV > I > II > V > III.
Related: Chemistry — General Organic Chemistry · All PYQ Banks