Carbocation Stability in 2-Methylpropan-2-Ol Dehydration

Hard Organic Chemistry Structure And Bonding

Consider the molecular structure of 2-methylpropan-2-ol, an alcohol that can undergo dehydration in acidic conditions to form an alkene. The reaction proceeds by the formation of a carbocation intermediate. Which of the following statements is true regarding the stability of the carbocation that forms during this elimination reaction?

The stability of the carbocation increases with greater steric hindrance from nearby substituents.

The stability of the carbocation is enhanced by resonance effects from nearby double bonds.

Tertiary carbocations are more stable than secondary carbocations due to hyperconjugation.

The formation of a primary carbocation is favored due to lower energy barriers.

Hint

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