Q.

The most stable carbocation from the following is:                         [2025]

1  
2  
3  
4  

Ans.

(2)

Electron donating groups increase stability of a carbocation. –OMe group can donate electrons by +M effect from ortho and para position. +M effect of –OMe dominates over its –I effect. From meta position it withdraws electron density because of –I effect. Electron donation by +M effect of –OMe is more than the electron donation by hyperconjugation and +I effect of –CH3 group.