Which substituent on a benzene ring is a strong deactivator and meta-director?

Practice Questions

Q1
Which substituent on a benzene ring is a strong deactivator and meta-director?
  1. Methyl
  2. Nitro
  3. Hydroxyl
  4. Ethyl

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

Which substituent on a benzene ring is a strong deactivator and meta-director?
  • Step 1: Understand what a benzene ring is. It is a circular arrangement of six carbon atoms with alternating double bonds.
  • Step 2: Learn about substituents. These are groups that can replace one of the hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring.
  • Step 3: Know what a strong deactivator is. It is a substituent that makes the benzene ring less reactive towards electrophiles (positively charged species).
  • Step 4: Identify the nitro group (NO2). This is a common substituent that is known to be a strong deactivator.
  • Step 5: Understand the term 'meta-director.' This means that when an electrophile attacks the benzene ring, it will preferentially attach to the meta position relative to the nitro group.
  • Step 6: Recognize that the nitro group is electron-withdrawing, which means it pulls electron density away from the benzene ring, making it less reactive.
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