Question

The lower stability of ethyl anion compared to methyl anion and the higher stability of ethyl radical compared to methyl radical, respectively, are due to 

(A) +I effect of the methyl group in ethyl anion and σ → p-orbital conjugation in ethyl radical 

(B) –I effect of the methyl group in ethyl anion and σ → σ∗ conjugation in ethyl radical 

(C) +I effect of the methyl group in both cases 

(D) +I effect of the methyl group in ethyl anion and σ → σ∗ conjugation in ethyl radical 

Answer 1

Correct option  (A) +I effect of the methyl group in ethyl anion and σ → p-orbital conjugation in ethyl radical 

Explanation:

Stability C₂ H₂⁻ > CH₃⁻

In ethyl anion, methyl group have +I effect which increases e^– density on carbanion so stability decreases. 

Stability  C₂ H₅  > CH₃

Due to σ –p orbital conjugation in ethyl radical, it is more stable.