Inductive effect does NOT operate in _________.

Options

A. HF
B. `F_(2)`
C. `CH_(3)Cl`
D. `CH_(3)COOH`

Answer

To determine which option does NOT exhibit inductive effect, we need to understand what the inductive effect is and analyze each option accordingly.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Inductive Effect**:
- The inductive effect refers to the permanent displacement of sigma (σ) electrons in a molecule due to electronegativity differences between atoms. It can be either a positive inductive effect (+I) where electrons are donated, or a negative inductive effect (-I) where electrons are withdrawn.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- We will analyze the four options provided to see where the inductive effect does not operate.

3. **Option A: HF (Hydrogen Fluoride)**:
- In HF, fluorine is highly electronegative compared to hydrogen. The shared pair of electrons in the H-F bond is pulled towards fluorine, creating a dipole moment. Therefore, the inductive effect is present in HF.

4. **Option B: F2 (Fluorine Gas)**:
- In F2, both fluorine atoms have the same electronegativity. The shared pair of electrons is equally shared between the two atoms, leading to no displacement of electrons. Thus, there is no inductive effect in F2.

5. **Option C: CH3Cl (Chloromethane)**:
- In CH3Cl, chlorine is more electronegative than carbon. The shared electrons in the C-Cl bond are pulled towards chlorine, resulting in a dipole moment and the presence of an inductive effect.

6. **Option D: CH3CHO (Acetaldehyde)**:
- In CH3CHO, the C=O bond involves oxygen, which is also more electronegative than carbon. The shared electrons are attracted towards oxygen, leading to an inductive effect.

7. **Conclusion**:
- After analyzing all options, we find that the inductive effect does NOT operate in **F2** (Option B).

### Final Answer:
The inductive effect does NOT operate in **F2**.

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