Exams › JEE Main › Chemistry

Which of the following groups exhibits a -I (electron-withdrawing inductive) effect?

1. -OH
2. -C(=O)OH
3. -CH3
4. -OCH3

Correct answer: -C(=O)OH

Solution

The -I (negative inductive) effect is shown by electron-withdrawing groups. The carboxyl group -COOH withdraws electron density through the sigma framework due to the electronegative carbonyl oxygen and overall electron-deficient carbon. -CH3 shows +I (donating). While -OH and -OCH3 oxygens are electronegative (weak -I), in standard JEE classification the carboxyl group is the classic strong -I group; among the choices -COOH is the intended answer as the strongest, unambiguous -I group.

Related JEE Main Chemistry questions

• Lactic acid loses its optical activity when the hydroxyl group is replaced by hydrogen because
• Which is the most suitable technique for separating a mixture of sugars?
• Which statement correctly compares the staggered and eclipsed conformations of ethane?
• Which statement correctly describes a common feature shared by optical and geometrical isomerism?
• Which substituent lowers the reactivity of a benzene ring toward electrophilic substitution, yet still mainly directs a new group to the ortho and para positions?
• Among the following substances, which has the greatest affinity for a proton?

⚔️ Practice JEE Main Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →