Question

Which is expected to be more stable ${\mathrm{O}}_2{\mathrm{NCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{O}}^{-}\mathrm{or}{\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{O}}^{-}$ and why?

Answer 1

Dear student,
O₂NCH₂CH₂O^- should be more stable because -NO₂ is an electron withdrawing group . So it will decrease the electron density on oxygen atom , hence stabilising it.
But in case of CH_​3CH₂O^-, ethyl group is an electron releasing group hece results in increase in electron density on oxygen atom. This will destabilise the ion.
Regards