Question

What is an example of how the inductive effect affects the equilibrium strength of an acid?

Answer 1

The sigma bond between two atoms with different electronegativity is polarized due to the displacement of the bond to the more electronegative atom. In this process, the negatively charged atom gets partly negatively charged, while another atom gets partly positively charged. Therefore, the induced polarity is transmitted through the sigma bond in the molecule, creating a permanent dipole. This phenomenon is called the induction effect.

Complete answer:
Due to the difference in electronegativity, the carbon and chlorine bond in the butyl chloride $C{H_3}C{H_2}C{H_2}C{H_2}Cl$ is polarized. Electrons are extracted by chlorine atoms. Therefore, the first carbon atom acquires a partial positive charge. In turn, this carbon atom will partially extract the electron density from the next carbon, and the next carbon will also acquire a partial positive charge. This will continue, and it is the way the induction effect is transmitted through the carbon chain.
Hence, the equilibrium will lie right due to the preceding reasoning.

Note:
The inductive effect is of two types, negative inductive effect and positive inductive effect. Negative inductive effect is shown by the compound which has electron withdrawing groups in them. Positive inductive effect is shown by the compounds having electron donating groups in them.