Question

Why do alkyl groups donate electrons?

Answer 1

Electron donating nature of alkyl group:

• In an alkyl group, carbon is linked to hydrogen atoms.
• Carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen. Thus, carbon pulls bonded electrons towards itself and acquires a slight extra negative charge and correspondingly hydrogen lose hold over bonded electrons and acquires a slightly positive charge.
• Thus, carbon gets a little more electronic charge which the carbon will push towards the group to which it is linked.
• Thus, the alkyl group is the electron-donating group.