Is there a trend in inductive effect for different alkyl groups?

Abstract

We find there to be no significant difference between the inductive effects of four representative alkyl groups as determined by Hirshfeld charge analysis. The use of alkyl group electronegativity values shows no meaningful correlation with the electron-withdrawing/donating ability of the alkyl groups. The ¹³C NMR chemical shift diverges significantly from the calculated Hirshfeld charges, and we consider the latter to be a more reliable indicator of charge distribution.