Which of the following groups act as (electron withdrawing) groups when attached to a saturated carb — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The $-NO_2$ group and the cationic $-NH_3^+$ group are powerful $-I$ withdrawers. The phenyl ring ($-C_6H_5$) contains $sp^2$ hybridized carbons, making it slightly electron-withdrawing compared to an $sp^3$ carbon chain. The carboxylate ion ($-COO^-$) bears a negative charge and acts as a $+I$ (electron donating) group.