- Joined
- May 5, 2004
- Messages
- 623
- Reaction score
- 6
I am having a hard time making a connection with activating and deactivating groups. I don't seem to understand how to look at groups and be able to determine if it is an electron donating group, CH3, or an electron withdrawing group, as in SO3H. I know that it has to do with the electroneg. of the group being added but for some of the groups, NH2,OR, I would think they would be deactivating but turn out to activating? I know that I could just memorize them but I would really like to understand how to tell by looking at the group if possible, thanks.