Which of the following is a meta-directing group in electrophilic aromatic substitution?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
Which of the following is a meta-directing group in electrophilic aromatic substitution?
–NO2
–OH
–CH3
–Cl
The –NO2 group is a meta-directing group because it withdraws electrons from the aromatic ring, directing incoming electrophiles to the meta position.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: Which of the following is a meta-directing group in electrophilic aromatic substitution?
Solution: The –NO2 group is a meta-directing group because it withdraws electrons from the aromatic ring, directing incoming electrophiles to the meta position.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand what a meta-directing group is. A meta-directing group is a substituent on an aromatic ring that directs incoming electrophiles to the meta position when a reaction occurs.
Step 2: Identify the –NO2 group. The –NO2 group is known as a nitro group.
Step 3: Learn about electron withdrawal. The –NO2 group withdraws electrons from the aromatic ring, making it less reactive at the ortho and para positions.
Step 4: Determine the directing effect. Because the –NO2 group withdraws electrons, it directs electrophiles to the meta position instead of the ortho or para positions.
Step 5: Conclude that the –NO2 group is a meta-directing group in electrophilic aromatic substitution.