Stability of carbanions A carbanion is a nucleophile, which stability and reactivity determined by several factors. The inductive effect, electronegative atoms adjacent to the charge will stabilize the charge. Hybridisation of the charge-bearing atom The greater the s -character of the charge bearing atom, the more stable the anion. The extent of conjugation of the anion Resonance effects can stabilise the anion. This is especially true, when the anion is stabilised as a result of aromaticity.