Which of the Following Correctly Explains Why Alkyl Groups Are

Multiple Choice

Which of the following correctly explains why alkyl groups are ortho/para-directing groups?

A) Meta substitution results in an arenium ion in which a positive charge is destabilized by an adjacent electron-withdrawing group.
B) Ortho/para substitution results in an arenium ion intermediate in which all atoms have complete octets.
C) A lone pair of electrons on the alkyl group participates in resonance and stabilizes the arenium ion intermediate in ortho/para substitution.
D) The most stable resonance structure for the arenium ion intermediate in ortho/para substitution contains a 2° carbocation.
E) The alkyl group is electron donating via induction and stabilizes the adjacent positive charge in the ortho/para substitution intermediate.