How Do Electronic Effects Influence Catalytic Activity?
The electronic environment around the active site of a catalyst can significantly affect its reactivity. For instance, electron-donating groups can increase the electron density at the active site, making it more nucleophilic and enhancing its ability to donate electrons to the reacting species. Conversely, electron-withdrawing groups can decrease the electron density, making the active site more electrophilic and better suited for reactions that require electron acceptance.
