Question

Question #bcd01

Answer 1

One orbital per C-H bond

Explanation:

The p-orbital involved in the C-H bond is co-planar with the empty p-orbital in the methyl carbocation. This geometry means that hyperconjugation can occur, with the electrons in the `sigma`-bond stabilising the carbocation centre.

The stabilisation is energetically favourable, because it results in the electrons in the `sigma`-bond being in a lower energy level.

The C-C bond can rotate, so the carbocation can form stabilising interactions with multiple C-H bonds e.g. ethyl cation has 3 C-H bonds that can be involved in hyperconjugation.