In a simple linear alkyl halide molecule (e.g., ), beyond how many carbon atoms (counting the carbon attached to the halogen as 1) is the inductive effect generally considered to become neutralized or

Question

In a simple linear alkyl halide molecule (e.g., $C_4-C_3-C_2-C_1-Cl$), beyond how many carbon atoms (counting the carbon attached to the halogen as 1) is the inductive effect generally considered to become neutralized or practically negligible?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 3. The inductive effect is heavily distance-dependent. The polarization of -bonds decreases rapidly along the chain. According to standard GOC principles, it is effective up to 3 or 4 carbons, and generally considered practically negligible after 3 carbon atoms. (Accepting 3 based on 'effective up to 3 or 4', dropping severely at 4).

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