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Difference between Inductive and Resonance Effect

Inductive Effect

Resonance/Mesomeric Effect

The sigma (σ) or the covalent bond electrons are pulled or pushed so that the electron density shifts towards the most electronegative atom.

The pie (π) electrons are pulled and pushed through the p-orbitals along the sigma (covalent) bond framework.

It is a permanent effect.

It is a permanent effect.

The sigma bond electrons do not change their positions. They are only polarised.

The π electrons change their positions along a conjugated system.

 

The nonbonding electrons, when conjugated, are also involved in resonance.

δ+ δ+ δ+ δ+C4H3- δ+ δ+ δ+C3H2- δ+ δ+C2H2- δ+C1H2- δ-NO2

Categorized as negative (-I) and positive (+I) inductive effects.

Categorized as negative (-R/-M) and positive (+R/+M) resonance effects.

The inductive effect is positive when the substituent is an electron-donating group and negative when a substituent is an electron-withdrawing group. 

For example, in the representations below, -NO2 is electron-withdrawing (-I), and -CH3 is electron-donating (+I).

The resonance effect is positive when the substituent is an electron-donating group and negative when a substituent is an electron-withdrawing group.

In the examples shown below, -NO2 is electron-withdrawing (-R), and -OH is electron donating (+R) when part of the benzene ring.

 

Related Reading- Inductive Effect, Resonance Effect

Electronic Displacement in a covalent bond

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