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What is Hyperconjugation ?

Hyperconjugation is the stabilising interaction that results from the interaction of the electrons in a σ-bond (usually C-H or C-C) with an adjacent empty or partially filled p-orbital or a π-orbital to give an extended molecular orbital that increases the stability of the system.

Based on the valence bond model of bonding, hyperconjugation can be described as "double bond - no bond resonance" but it is not what we would "normally" call resonance, though the similarity is perhaps useful and is shown below.

QUESTION : What is the key difference between hyperconjugation and resonance ? ANSWER

Hyperconjugation is a factor in explaining why increasing the number of alkyl substituents on a carbocation or radical centre leads to an increase in stability.
 

Let's consider how a methyl group is involved in hyperconjugation with a carbocation centre.  interaction of a methyl group
First we need to draw it to show the C-H σ-bonds.
Note that the empty p orbital associated with the positive charge at the carbocation centre is in the same plane (i.e. coplanar) with one of the C-H σ-bonds  (shown in
blue.)
look at the sigma bonds
This geometry means the electrons in the σ-bond can be stabilised by an interaction with the empty p-orbital of the carbocation centre.

(this diagram shows the similarity with resonance and the structure on the right has the "double bond - no bond" character)

electrons in the sigma bond interact with the empty p orbital


orbital interaction diagram


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organic chemistry © Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary