Types of Inductive Effect

Inductive Effect is basically classified into two categories namely:

• Positive inductive effect (+I effect)
• Negative inductive effect or (-I effect)

Positive Inductive Effect +I effect

Positive inductive effect is seen in atoms or groups that have a tendency to give electrons. It describes the ability of a substituent or functional group to donate electron density to a neighboring atom through sigma bonds. Alkyl groups are well-known instances of groups that donate electrons, such as methyl and ethyl. The observation of the positive inductive effect occurs upon the attachment of these groups to a carbon atom.

Negative Inductive Effect or -I effect

Negative inductive effect can be observed in electron-withdrawing atoms or groups that tends to withdraw electron density from a neighboring atom through sigma bonds. Common examples of electronegative atoms are oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, and bromine. The observation of the negative inductive effect occurs upon the attachment of these groups to a carbon atom. It can influence various chemical properties and reactions of the atom.

Order of Inductive Effect

The order of inductive effect is determined by a group’s ability to donate or withdraw electron density from a molecule. Higher electronegativity electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) have a stronger inductive impact; lower electronegativity electron-donating groups (EDG) have a lesser inductive effect.

The order of Inductive effect is given below:

Halogens > Electronegative Elements > Alkyl Substituents > Aryl Substituents > Alkylidene and Arylidene Groups.

Inductive Effect occurs when a molecule experiences an uneven distribution of bonding electrons, leading to the formation of a permanent dipole in that molecule. This redistribution of electrons is caused due to electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups in the molecule.

Let’s discuss more about inductive effect, types of inductive effect, inductive effect on acidity and basicity, and the difference between inductive effect and electrometric effect.