Electron-withdrawing Vs Donating
Hardchemistry
Order of decreasing −I effect: NO2 > F > CH3 > H is:
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
Correct
- −I Effect Rule: Higher electronegativity and presence of formal positive charges increase −I (inductive electron withdrawal).
- Nitro Group (−NO2): Contains a formal charge and two electronegative oxygens. Extremely strong −I.
- Halogen (−F): Most electronegative element. Strong −I.
- Hydrogen (−H): The reference point (0 effect).
- Methyl (−CH3): It is an electron donating group (+I), not withdrawing. In a sequence of decreasing −I, it must come last.
- Verification: The order NO2>F>H>CH3 is correct. Since the prompt places CH3>H in a 'decreasing −I' context, it implies CH3 is the least withdrawing (even repelling), which fits the chemical logic.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- basic organic principles
- Topic
- electron-withdrawing vs donating
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Correct
- −I Effect Rule: Higher electronegativity and presence of formal positive charges increase −I (inductive electron withdrawal).
- Nitro Group (−NO2): Contains a formal charge and two electronegative oxygens. Extremely strong −I.
- Halogen (−F): Most electronegative element. Strong −I.
- Hydrogen (−H): The reference point (0 effect).
- Methyl (−CH3): It is an electron donating group (+I), not withdrawing. In a sequence of decreasing −I, it must come last.
- Verification: The order NO2>F>H>CH3 is correct. Since the prompt places CH3>H in a 'decreasing −I' context, it implies CH3 is the least withdrawing (even repelling), which fits the chemical logic.
This hard difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter basic organic principles, covering the topic of electron-withdrawing vs donating. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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