Which position on the benzene ring does a nitro group preferentially substitute

Practice Questions

Q1
Which position on the benzene ring does a nitro group preferentially substitute when starting from nitrobenzene?
  1. Ortho
  2. Meta
  3. Para
  4. All positions equally

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

Which position on the benzene ring does a nitro group preferentially substitute when starting from nitrobenzene?
  • Step 1: Understand that a benzene ring is a six-carbon ring with alternating double bonds.
  • Step 2: Know that a nitro group (-NO2) is a substituent that can attach to the benzene ring.
  • Step 3: Recognize that the nitro group is considered a deactivating group, meaning it makes the ring less reactive to further substitutions.
  • Step 4: Learn that the nitro group is also meta-directing, which means it prefers to direct new substituents to the meta position relative to itself.
  • Step 5: Identify the positions on the benzene ring: ortho (next to), meta (one carbon away), and para (opposite).
  • Step 6: Conclude that when starting from nitrobenzene, any new substituent will most likely attach at the meta position.
No concepts available.
Soulshift Feedback ×

On a scale of 0–10, how likely are you to recommend The Soulshift Academy?

Not likely Very likely