What is the correct order of stability of the following carbocations (more stable less stable)?

Question

What is the correct order of stability of the following carbocations (more stable > less stable)?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The stability of a carbocation is directly related to its ability to spread its positive charge. This spreading of charge is facilitated by adjacent atoms with lone pair electrons (i.e. electronegative atoms or pi bonds). In carbocation 3, the positive charge is spread over three carbon atoms through resonance, making it the most stable. In carbocation 2, the positive charge is only spread over two carbon atoms through resonance, making it less stable than carbocation 3. In carbocation 1, there are no adjacent atoms with lone pair electrons or pi bonds, so there is no possibility for resonance stabilization, making it the least stable of the three. Therefore, the correct order of stability is 3 > 2 > 1.

What Is the Correct Order of Stability of the Following