`overset(Theta)(C)H_(3)` is less stable than

Options

A. `CH_(3)-overset(Theta)(C)H_(2)`
B. `CH_(3)-overset(Theta)(C)H-CH_(3)`
C. `overset(Theta)(C)H_(2)-NO_(2)`
D. `CH_(3)-overset(Theta)(C)H-C_(2)H_(5)`

Answer

To determine which species is more stable than the methyl anion (CH3-), we need to analyze the stability of different anions based on the inductive effect and resonance.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Anion in Question**: We start with the methyl anion (CH3-). This anion has a negative charge on a carbon atom, which makes it less stable due to the high electronegativity of carbon.

2. **Consider the Stability Factors**: The stability of anions can be influenced by:
- Inductive effects (electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups)
- Resonance effects (delocalization of charge)

3. **Compare with Other Anions**:
- **CH3- vs. CH2- (from CH3-CH2)**: The ethyl anion (CH2-) has an alkyl group (CH3) that can donate electron density through the +I effect. This means that CH2- is more stable than CH3- because the additional alkyl group helps to stabilize the negative charge by donating electron density.

- **CH3- vs. CH2- (from CH3-CH2-CH3)**: In this case, the negative charge is on a carbon that is bonded to two other carbon atoms (CH2-). The presence of two alkyl groups means more electron donation, which stabilizes the negative charge further compared to CH3-.

- **CH3- vs. CH2- with Electron-Withdrawing Groups**: If we introduce an electron-withdrawing group like NO2 attached to a carbon adjacent to the negatively charged carbon, it will stabilize the anion by pulling electron density away from the negatively charged carbon. This makes the anion more stable than CH3-.

4. **Conclusion**: After analyzing the stability based on the inductive and resonance effects, we conclude that CH3- is less stable than anions that have electron-donating groups (like CH2-) and more stable than those with strong electron-withdrawing groups (like NO2).

### Final Answer:
The methyl anion (CH3-) is less stable than CH2- (from CH3-CH2) and CH2- with an electron-withdrawing group like NO2.