Induction in organic chemistry refers to the permanent effect of electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups on the distribution of electron density in a molecule. This phenomenon occurs through sigma bonds and is often associated with the electronegativity of atoms within a molecular structure.
When an electronegative atom (like chlorine, fluorine, or oxygen) is attached to a carbon chain, it pulls electron density towards itself. This results in a partial positive charge on the adjacent carbon atoms. This effect can influence the reactivity of the molecule, including its acidity or basicity, and can stabilize or destabilize certain intermediates during chemical reactions.
On the flip side, electron-donating groups (such as alkyl groups) can push electron density away, potentially making a molecule more reactive in certain types of reactions.
In summary, induction is a key concept in understanding how molecular structure affects reactivity and properties in organic chemistry.