Rank the transition states that occur during the following reaction steps in order of increasing stability (least $\to$ most stable):
$1. CH_3-OH_2^+ \to CH_3^+ + H_2O$
$2. (CH_3)_3C-OH_2^+ \to (CH_3)_3C^+ + H_2O$
$3. (CH_3)_2CH-OH_2^+ \to (CH_3)_2CH^+ + H_2O$

• A
  $1 < 2 < 3$
• B
  $2 < 3 < 1$
• C
  $1 < 3 < 2$
• D
  $2 < 1 < 3$