Question

Sort the following molecules by whether the substituent group is ortho/para or meta directing for electrophilic aromatic substitution

Answer 1

Concepts and reason

The given molecules are categorized as ortho/para and meta directing. The categorization is done based on the presence of lone pair and positive charge presence on the atom bonded to the aromatic ring.

Fundamentals

Electrophile is a neutral or positively charged species which is attracted towards electrons. These species contain vacant orbitals. They accept electron pair from the nucleophile.

Aromatic substitution reaction takes place at an electron rich centre.

The substituents present on the ring affect the electron density on the ring. The substituents which direct the incoming electrophile towards the ortho and para positions of the ring are called ortho/para directing substituents.

The substituents which direct the incoming electrophile towards the meta position of the ring are called meta directing substituents.

The molecules containing ortho/para directing substituent for electrophilic aromatic substitution are as follows:

The molecules containing meta directing substituent for electrophilic aromatic substitution are as follows:

Ans:

The given molecules are sorted on the basis of the substituent present on the ring as follows: