Is OH electron donating or withdrawing?

The hydroxyl group (–OH) is generally considered an electron-donating group. This means it can donate electron density to the rest of the molecule it is attached to.

How It Works

The oxygen atom in the hydroxyl group has a lone pair of electrons. This lone pair can interact with nearby atoms or groups, effectively increasing the electron density in the molecule.

Effects on Reactivity

• Stabilization: The electron-donating nature of –OH can stabilize positive charges in a molecule.
• Reactivity: It can enhance the reactivity of certain functional groups, making them more likely to participate in chemical reactions.

Comparison with Other Groups

In contrast to electron-withdrawing groups, which pull electron density away, the –OH group helps to increase the overall electron density in a compound. This property is crucial in many organic reactions and influences the behavior of molecules in various chemical environments.