Which one of the following free radical is most stable?

Correct answer: C. (CH3)3C+

  • A. CH3+
  • B. (CH3)2CH+
  • C. (CH3)3C+
  • D. C2H5+

Explanation

Options A and D are incorrect as they are primary free radicals. Option B is incorrect as it's a secondary free radical. Option C is correct as it is a tertiary free radical. The order of stability is Primary radical < Secondary radical < Tertiary radical.

This question appeared on the HEC Phase I 2017 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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About Free Radical Substitution

Free radical substitution explains how alkanes react with halogens under ultraviolet light or heat through initiation, propagation and termination steps. The mechanism involves homolytic bond fission and radical intermediates, while product formation depends on the relative stability of radicals and differs from ionic substitution.

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