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

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

Solution: The nitro group is a strong deactivator and directs incoming electrophiles to the meta position due to its electron-withdrawing nature.

Steps: 6

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.