I keep getting “Carbocation stability” questions wrong in Organic Chemistry — Basic Concepts. What's the trap?
ranking a primary carbocation as more stable than a tertiary one.
The usual trap: ranking a primary carbocation as more stable than a tertiary one. How to avoid it: more alkyl groups → more stable carbocation (hyperconjugation + inductive). Go back to the definition — order 3° > 2° > 1°, because alkyl groups donate electrons and stabilise the positive charge.
Key point
Carbocation stability
Common mistake
ranking a primary carbocation as more stable than a tertiary one.
Memory tip
more alkyl groups → more stable carbocation (hyperconjugation + inductive).
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