What is the correct order of the 5 para substituents on the carbocation intermediate, if arranged from most stabilizing to least stabilizing?
CH₃, F, H, OCH₃, NO₂
Alkyl groups have a +I (electrons donation) inductive effect hence they push electrons towards the carbocation centre thereby stabilizing it. On the other hand, with increasing electronegativity and -I (electron withdrawing) inductive effect, the carbocation becomes destabilized. The greatest being F which is very electronegative.
