2) Since A and B are equivalent resonance structures, the allyl radical should be
much more stable than either, that is, much more stable than a 1° radical ⇒ the
allyl radical is even more stable than a 3° radical.
13.4 THE ALLYL CATION
- The allyl cation (CH 2 =CHCH 2 +) is an unusually stable carbocation ⇒ it is more
stable than a 2° carbocation and is almost as stable as a 3° carbocation.
- The relative order of carbocation stability:
>CC
C
C
>CH 2 CHCH 2 >CC
C
H
>CC
H
H
C C C C CH^2 CH
H
+ + + ++> +
Substituted allylic > 3° > Allyl > 2° > 1° > Vinyl
- MO description of the allyl cation: