What is the primary effect of the -COOH group on aromatic compounds?

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Q: What is the primary effect of the -COOH group on aromatic compounds?

Solution: -COOH exhibits a -M effect as it withdraws electron density through resonance.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what a -COOH group is. It is called a carboxylic acid group and consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Step 2: Learn about aromatic compounds. These are special types of compounds that have a ring structure with alternating double bonds, like benzene.
Step 3: Recognize that the -COOH group can affect the electron density in aromatic compounds. Electron density refers to the distribution of electrons in a molecule.
Step 4: Identify the -M effect. The -M effect, or negative mesomeric effect, means that the -COOH group pulls electron density away from the aromatic ring through resonance.
Step 5: Understand resonance. Resonance is a way to describe how electrons can be distributed in different ways within a molecule, leading to different structures that contribute to the overall stability.
Step 6: Conclude that the primary effect of the -COOH group on aromatic compounds is that it withdraws electron density, making the aromatic ring less reactive towards electrophiles.