Question

Why do alkyl groups show positive inductive effect?

Answer 1

The inductive effect refers to the phenomenon wherein a permanent dipole arises in a given molecule due to the unequal sharing of the bonding electrons in the molecule.

Positive inductive effect 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.