Ncert Exercises & Solutions

Question 12.9:

Which of the two: $O_{2} N C H_{2} C H_{2} O^{-}$ – or $C H_{2} C H_{2} O^{-}$ is expected to be more stable and why?

C H_{2} C H_{2} O^{-}

NO2 group is an electron-withdrawing group. Hence, it shows –I effect. By withdrawing the

electrons toward it, the NO2 group decreases the negative charge on the compound,

thereby stabilising it. On the other hand, ethyl group is an electron-releasing group. Hence,

the ethyl group shows +I effect. This increases the negative charge on the compound,

thereby destabilising it. Hence,

O_{2} N C H_{2} C H_{2} O^{-}

is expected to be more stable than