Question

Is $OC{H_3}$ an electron withdrawing group?

Answer 1

Hint: An atom or a group that draws electron density from neighboring atoms toward itself, generally by resonance or inductive effects is called an electron withdrawing group. Electron withdrawing groups are meta directors with the exception of halogens as they have lone pairs of electrons that are shared with the aromatic ring.

Complete answer:
Yes, the $OC{H_3}$ is an electron withdrawing group. The oxygen atom in the $OC{H_3}$ group is more electronegative than the carbon atom. Due to this reason, it will show the $ - I$ effect which is electron-withdrawing. An electron withdrawing group is a group which reduces electron density in a molecule through the carbon it is bonded to. These groups make electrophiles stronger because the electron- withdrawing effect makes the carbon center much more electron deficient than before. They make nucleophilic species less reactive because the electron withdrawing effect makes any carbon center even more electron deficient. On the other hand, it will lose electrons through resonance showing $ + R$ effect. Resonance effect is the delocalization of pi electrons. Resonance occurs because of the presence of lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom. There will be an increase in the electron density of ortho position and para position which makes it an electron-donating group. An electron donating group releases electrons into a reaction center and stabilizes electron deficient carbocations.

Note:
A group with a negative inductive effect will decrease the electron density on the carbon atom by polarizing the sigma bond. This effect is seen when carbon atoms are bonded to electronegative atoms like halogens, oxygen and nitrogen.