What is the inductive effect?

  • The induction of polarization of a sigma bond due to the electronegativity difference between the different atoms or groups is called the inductive effect.
  • The inductive effect is more for adjacent bonds, this effect decreases rapidly with the increase of the distance. That’s why in most cases it causes very little effect on a bond four bonds away.
  • In the inductive effect, the actual transfer of electrons from one atom to another is not involved, but it simply helps in displacing them permanently.

inductive effect examplesTypes of inductive groups:

Groups with (-I) effect:

  • They seek the electrons towards themselves and make the other part electron deficient.
  • -I groups are also called electron-withdrawing groups.
  • The order of -I effect of some groups is as shown:

inductive effect order

Groups with (+I) effect:

  • They donate or push the electrons toward the rest of the molecule and make it electron-rich.
  • + I groups are also called electron-releasing groups.
  • The order of the +I effect of some groups is as shown:

+I effect

Order of Inductive Effect

The order of inductive effect depends upon the electron density, withdrawal, or donation ability from a molecule. The groups which have high electronegativity can withdraw electrons, so they have a strong inductive effect. However, those groups that have lower electronegativity can donate electrons, so they have a weak inductive effect.

The following groups are showing the order of inductive effect:

Acidic and basic nature due to inductive effect

  1. The acidic and basic nature of various compounds can be determined by the inductive effect.
  • Electron-withdrawing groups have a more acidic nature and less basic nature due to the decrease in electron density.

acidic nature of compound due to inductive effect

  • While electron-donating groups have a more basic nature but a less acidic nature because of the increase in electron density.

basicity of a compound due to inductive effect

2. The acidity and basicity of a compound can also be determined based on the type of inductive effect.

  • The acidity of a compound is decreased by the +I effect of the group. While the acidity of a compound is increased by the -I effect of the group.
  • The basicity of a compound is increased by the +I effect of the group. While the basicity of a compound is decreased by the -I effect of the group.

Inductive Influence on Stability of Molecules

According to the inductive effect, the stability of the resulting molecule is greatly influenced by both the charge on a specific atom and the charge on a group linked to the atom.

A group with the -I effect can be attached to a positively charged atom, reducing the stability of the resulting molecule by amplifying its positive charge. However, when an atom with a negative charge is introduced to a group that exhibits the -I effect, the charge difference is much reduced, and the resulting molecule is stable due to the inductive effect.

Difference between Inductive Effect and Resonance Effect

The main difference between the Inductive and resonance effects is given below:

 

Inductive Effect

Resonance Effect

.The Inductive Effect is created by the passage of electric charges between atoms in a molecule.

The resonance effect is created by the transfer of electron pairs between atoms in a molecule.

It happens when bonds polarize.

It happens due to the existence of both single and double bonds.

It is influenced by the electronegativity of atoms.

It is affected by the configuration of double bonds.

 
 
 

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