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Electromeric Effect
Electromeric Effect
This is a temporary effect and takes place between two atoms joined by a multiple
bond, i.e., a double or triple bond. It occurs at the requirements of the attacking reagent,
and involves instantaneous transfer of a shared pair of electrons of the multiple bond to
one of the linked atoms.
For example, consider the carbonyl group, >C=O, present in aldehydes and
ketones. When a negatively charged reagent say
positive site, it causes instantaneous shift of electron pair of carbonyl group to oxygen
(more electronegative than carbon). The carbon thus becomes deprived of its share in this
transferred-pair of electrons and acquires positive charge. In the meanwhile oxygen takes
complete control of the electron pair and becomes negatively charged. Therefore, in the
presence of attacking reagent, one bond is lost and this negatively charged attacking
reagent links to the carbon having positive charge.
When the transfer of electrons takes place towards the attacking reagent, it is
called + E (positive electromeric) effect. For example,
When the transfer of electrons takes place away from the attacking reagent, it is
called, -E (negative electromeric) effect. For example,