Why I think it’s time to change how we teach the inductive effect
By 
Mark Elliott2026-06-03T12:56:00
New evidence challenges the idea of long‑range inductive transmission, highlighting that some textbook explanations of inductive effects are oversimplified and, in key cases, completely wrong
In late 2024, we demonstrated that alkyl groups are inductively electron-withdrawing relative to hydrogen. With the benefit of hindsight, this is obvious given carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen, but it contradicts statements in many textbooks. It also conflicts with how fundamentals such as amine basicity, and the stability and reactivity of carbocations and alkenes are taught at A-level in the UK.