Question
In which of the following compounds, the C-Cl bond ionisation shall give most stable carbonium ions?
Solution
C.

The stability of carbocation follow the order 3> 2> 1> methyl. More the number of alkyl group attached with the carbon atom carrying the positive charge greater would be the tendency to stabilise positive charge via inductive effect, and hence more stable. Due to the presence of benzene group, there is more resonance possibility than others hence it forms a more stable compound.