Given below are two statements: Statement I: In an organic compound, when inductive and electromeric effects operate in opposite directions, the inductive effect predominates. Statement II: Hyperconjugation is observed in o-xylene. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Solution & Explanation

\textbf{Answer:} (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true. \textbf{Solution:} Statement I is false: the electromeric effect is a temporary, complete transfer of a $\pi$ electron pair that occurs in the presence of an attacking reagent and is far stronger than the permanent inductive effect. When the two oppose, the electromeric (not the inductive) effect predominates. Statement II is true: o-xylene (1,2-dimethylbenzene) has methyl groups bearing $\alpha$ C-H bonds attached to the aromatic ring, so hyperconjugation (delocalisation of the C-H $\sigma$ electrons into the ring $\pi$ system) does operate. Hence Statement I is false but Statement II is true.