`OCH_(3)` group is

Options

A. Stronger + R group than - OH
B. Weaker + R group than - OH
C. Stronger + I group than - OH
D. Inert group

Answer

To determine the nature of the OCH₃ group in comparison to the OH group, we need to analyze the effects of both groups, specifically focusing on their resonance (plus R) and inductive (minus I) effects.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Groups**:
- The OCH₃ group consists of an oxygen atom bonded to a carbon atom, which is further bonded to three hydrogen atoms (methyl group).
- The OH group consists of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

2. **Inductive Effect Analysis**:
- Both OCH₃ and OH groups contain oxygen, which is more electronegative than carbon.
- This means that both groups will exhibit a minus I effect, where the oxygen atom attracts electrons towards itself, leading to a partial positive charge on the carbon atom.
- Therefore, both groups show -I effect, but this does not help us differentiate them in terms of resonance.

3. **Resonance Effect Analysis**:
- The plus R effect (resonance effect) refers to the ability of a group to donate electron density through resonance.
- In the case of OCH₃, the oxygen atom has two lone pairs that can be used to donate electrons into the aromatic ring (if present).
- Similarly, the OH group can also donate its lone pair of electrons into the aromatic system.

4. **Steric Hindrance Consideration**:
- The OCH₃ group has a bulky methyl group (CH₃) attached to the oxygen. This bulkiness can create steric hindrance, making it more difficult for the oxygen to effectively donate its lone pair of electrons compared to the OH group, which is attached to a hydrogen atom (much smaller and less sterically hindered).
- Therefore, the OCH₃ group, despite being able to show resonance, does so less effectively than the OH group due to this steric hindrance.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since the OCH₃ group shows a weaker plus R effect compared to the OH group, we conclude that the OCH₃ group is a weaker plus R group than OH.

### Final Answer:
The OCH₃ group is a **weaker plus R group than OH**.