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Can you say why does NO2 group show its effect only at ortho- and para- positions and not at meta- position?

Can you say why does NO2 group show its effect only at ortho- and para- positions and not at meta- position?

Grade:11

1 Answers

Gaurav
askIITians Faculty 164 Points
9 years ago
Hello Student
the nitro group is an EWG (electron-withdrawing group) and hence meta-directing. When you draw the resonance structures, you can see that the ortho and para positions are those that can hold the electron density or positive charge that a substituent group provides. Since NO2is an EWG, it will pull the electron density away from the o- and p-positions, hence electrophilic sustituents tend to attack the relatively electron rich meta-position.

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