Define inductive effect and write its one use. [1+1]

The inductive effect is the permanent polarization of a chemical bond due to the electronegativity difference between bonded atoms. It results in a dipole moment along the sigma bond, causing electron density to shift towards the more electronegative atom. This effect is categorized into:

• +I effect (positive inductive effect): Electron-releasing effect of alkyl groups (e.g., $-{\text{CH}}_3$) due to their lower electronegativity compared to carbon.
• –I effect (negative inductive effect): Electron-withdrawing effect of groups like $-{\text{NO}}_2$, $-\text{CN}$, or halogens (e.g., $-\text{Cl}$) due to higher electronegativity.

Use: The inductive effect explains the acidity of carboxylic acids. For example, chloroacetic acid ($\mathrm{ClCH}{}_2\mathrm{COOH}$) is more acidic than acetic acid ($\mathrm{CH}{}_3\mathrm{COOH}$) because the $-\text{Cl}$ group withdraws electron density from the carboxyl group ($-\text{COOH}$), stabilizing the carboxylate anion ($-{\text{COO}}^{-}$) and facilitating proton ($\mathrm{H}{}^{+}$) release.

CH₃COOH (Acetic acid)CH₃COOH (Acetic acid)