NEETChemistryGeneral Organic Chemistry
What determines whether a substituent is electron-withdrawing or electron-donating?
Options
- AThe number of carbon atoms in the substituent
- BThe ability to either withdraw or donate electron density to the attached carbon atom
- CThe size of the substituent
- DThe color of the substituent
Correct answer
B. The ability to either withdraw or donate electron density to the attached carbon atom
Step-by-step solution
The inductive effect is related to the ability of substituents to either withdraw or donate electron density to the attached carbon atom, which determines whether they are electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups.