AIIMS 2019 Chemistry SN₁ Reactions MCQ Question

In the SN₁ reaction, the intermediate (i) MeO⁺CH₂ is a carbocation where the positive charge is on the oxygen atom, which is less stable due to its high electronegativity and inability to stabilize a positive charge effectively. In contrast, structure (ii) Me⁻O⁺=CH₂, although it has a positive charge on oxygen, features a double bond to carbon, allowing for better charge delocalization and stabilization through resonance. Therefore, the statement that structure (ii) is more stable than (i) is false, making option B correct. Options A and C are incorrect as they misinterpret the stability of the intermediates, while option D does not apply since the answer is clearly established.