Applying the concept of Inductive effect (Distance vs Power), which of the following is the stronges — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The stabilization of the conjugate base relies on the Distance, Number, and Power (DNP rule) of $-I$ groups. Distance takes the highest priority. Although $-NO_2$ is a more powerful $-I$ group than $-Cl$, the chlorine atom in 2-chlorobutanoic acid is much closer ($\alpha$ -carbon) to the carboxylate anion, exerting a far stronger stabilizing pull than a distant $-NO_2$ group.