Chapter 8: Q76P (page 377)
The triphenylmethyl cation is so stable that a salt such as triphenylmethyl chloride can be isolated and stored. Why is this carbocation so stable?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The triphenylmethyl carbocation is stable because the positive charge is shared by 10 carbons (the central carbon and three carbons of each of the three benzene rings) as a result of electron delocalisation.
Step by step solution
01
Resonance structures
02
Final answer
The triphenylmethyl carbocation is stable because the positive charge is shared by 10 carbons (the central carbon and three carbons of each of the three benzene rings) as a result of electron delocalisation.
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