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Difference Between EDG And EWG

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The EDG and EWG, both are electrophilic aromatic directing groups. And these are forms of substituents that we can find in organic compounds. If you’ve looked at a molecule’s structure, you might have noticed that some atoms are labeled with an “E” or “EWG” while others are labeled with an “E” or “EDG.” These abbreviations refer to electronic effects that can influence the reactivity and properties of a molecule. In this article, we will discuss the difference between EDG and EWG.

What is an EDG?

EDG Stands for the Electron Donating Group, which is a functional group that donates electrons to a molecule, making it more reactive and nucleophilic. The presence of an EDG in a molecule can have several effects on its properties. For instance, it can increase the acidity of the molecule by stabilizing the conjugate base through the delocalization of negative charge. EDGs can also increase the basicity of the molecule by providing lone pairs of electrons that can accept protons. 

Some Examples of EDGs include:

  • Alkyl groups: These are groups that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl groups.
  • Alkoxy groups: These are groups that contain an oxygen atom bonded to an alkyl group, such as methoxy, ethoxy, and proxy groups.

What is an EWG?

EWG Stands for the Electron-Withdrawing Group, which is a functional group that withdraws electrons from a molecule, making it less reactive and nucleophilic. The presence of an EWG in a molecule can also have several effects on its properties. For instance, it can decrease the acidity of the molecule by destabilizing the conjugate base through the delocalization of negative charge. EWGs can also decrease the basicity of the molecule by withdrawing lone pairs of electrons that can accept protons. 

Some Examples of EWGs include:

  • Nitro groups: These are groups that contain a nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, such as nitro and nitroso groups.
  • Carbonyl groups: These are groups that contain a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, such as aldehydes, ketones, and esters.

Difference Between EDG And EWG

Property

EDG

EWG

Definition EDG stands for an electron-donating group EWG stands for an electron-withdrawing group
Effect on Resonance Increases electron density in pi systems Decreases electron density in pi systems
Effects on Reactivity Increases the rate of reactions that involve a nucleophilic attack.  Increases the rate of reactions that involve an electrophilic attack.
Effects on Molecular Properties Increases boiling point due to the formation of hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Decreases boiling point due to the absence of hydrogen bonding
Examples -OH, -NH2, -OR, -NHR  -NO2, -CN, -COOH, -C=O

Conclusion:

EDGs and EWGs are important concepts in organic chemistry that can be used to predict and control the reactivity of a molecule. EDGs donate electrons and increase the electron density in a molecule.

FAQ:

  1. What does EDG stand for?
    EDG stands for electron-donating group.
  2. What does EWG stand for?
    EWG stands for electron-withdrawing group.
  3. What is the difference between EDG and EWG?
    The main difference between EDG and EWG is their effect on the electron density of a molecule. EDGs increase electron density in the molecule, while EWGs decrease electron density.
  4. How do EDGs and EWGs affect chemical reactions?
    EDGs and EWGs affect the reactivity of molecules in different ways. EDGs make molecules more reactive towards electrophiles, while EWGs make them more reactive towards nucleophiles.
  5. What are some examples of EDGs?
    Examples of EDGs include amino groups (-NH2), hydroxyl groups (-OH), and alkyl groups (-R).
  6. What are some examples of EWGs?
    Examples of EWGs include carbonyl groups (C=O), nitro groups (-NO2), and halogens (-F, -Cl, -Br, -I).
  7. How are EDGs and EWGs used in organic chemistry?
    EDGs and EWGs are used to predict and explain the reactivity and selectivity of organic reactions. For example, chemists can use the effects of these groups to guide the synthesis of specific compounds or to optimize reaction conditions.

Last Updated : 05 Apr, 2023
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