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
  $\sigma \rightarrow p$-orbital conjugation in ethyl radical
• B. $-I$- effect of the methyl group in ethyl anion and
  $\sigma \rightarrow \sigma^*$ 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
  $\sigma \rightarrow \sigma^*$ conjugation in ethyl radical

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The lower stability of ethyl anion $(CH_3 CH_2)$ compared to methyl anion $(CH_3^-$) is because of $+ I$-effect of methyl group of ethyl anion. The higher stability of ethyl radical compared to methyl radical is due to $\sigma - p$-orbital conjugation which is known as hyper conjugation in ethyl radical.