In this article, we have discussed the field effect in chemistry with examples.
What is Field Effect in Chemistry?
The field effect is almost similar effect to the inductive effect, which is transmitted through space (absence of solvent), solvent molecules in the presence of a solvent, rather than a long chain. Thus, the field effect can be defined as the polarization of a molecule through space or solvent molecules.
The field effect is relatively weak and diminishes rapidly with distance. As the inductive effect, the field effect also operates in the same direction. The field effect affects molecular properties such as acidity. An example of the field effect is given below.
Example of Field Effect
Values of pKCl and pKCOOCH3 were found to be higher than the value of pKH. This difference in the pKa values can be explained only by involving field effects i.e the polar ‘Cl’ or –COOCH3 groups destabilize the carboxylate ion through space.
