Which of the following compounds would be the most stable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Compound III has the most stable carbocation due to the presence of two electron-withdrawing groups (a halogen and a nitro group) attached to the adjacent carbon atoms, which stabilize the positive charge. Compound IV has a less stable carbocation due to the presence of two electron-donating groups (two methyl groups) attached to the adjacent carbon atoms, which destabilize the positive charge. Compound II has a less stable carbocation than compound III due to the presence of only one electron-withdrawing group (a halogen) attached to the adjacent carbon atom. Compound I has the least stable carbocation due to the absence of any stabilizing groups. Therefore, compound III is the most stable.

Which of the Following Compounds Would Be the Most Stable