Question:easy

Identify most stable free radical from following :

Show Hint

To quickly rank radical or carbocation stability, count the total number of $\alpha$-hydrogens (hydrogen atoms on carbons directly attached to the radical center). More $\alpha$-hydrogens directly equate to a more stable structure. Here, option (B) wins easily with 9 $\alpha$-hydrogens.
Updated On: Jun 12, 2026
  • $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2^{\bullet}$
  • $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{C}^{\bullet}$
  • $(\text{CH}_3)_2\text{CH}^{\bullet}$
  • $\text{CH}_3^{\bullet}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the goal.
We must pick the most stable carbon free radical from four alkyl radicals.
Step 2: Recall what stabilises a radical.
A free radical has an electron-deficient carbon. Anything that pushes electron density toward that carbon stabilises it - mainly the $+I$ effect of attached alkyl groups and hyperconjugation from neighbouring C-H bonds.
Step 3: Classify each radical.
$\text{CH}_3^{\bullet}$ is methyl (no alkyl groups), $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2^{\bullet}$ is primary, $(\text{CH}_3)_2\text{CH}^{\bullet}$ is secondary, and $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{C}^{\bullet}$ is tertiary.
Step 4: Count electron-donating neighbours.
More alkyl groups attached to the radical carbon means more $+I$ donation and more hyperconjugating C-H bonds. The tertiary radical has three methyl groups feeding it, the maximum here.
Step 5: Apply the stability order.
Stability follows $3^{\circ} > 2^{\circ} > 1^{\circ} > \text{methyl}$, exactly the trend seen for carbocations because both are electron deficient.
Step 6: Conclude.
The tertiary $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{C}^{\bullet}$ radical sits at the top of this order, so it is the most stable. This is option (2).
\[ \boxed{(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{C}^{\bullet} \text{ is the most stable radical}} \]
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