Question

Considering only inductive effect, which of the following statements is correct?

• A. (a) is more stable than (b).
• B. (a) is less stable than (b).
• C. Both (a) and (b) are equally stable.
• D. Nothing can be said about stability.

Answer 1

The correct option is A (a) is more stable than (b).


Fluorine is an electron withdrawing group , so it shows $-I$ effect.
In case (a), fluorine is attached to the first carbon, whereas in case (b) , fluorine is attached to second carbon.
More is the distance , less is the $-I$ strength.
So, $-I$ strength in case (a) is higher than (b)
Electron withdrawing group when attached to carbanion increases the stability .
So, (a) is more stable than (b)