Question

Why nitro group acts as a meta directing group in electrophilic aromatic substitution?

• A. It decreases electron density at ortho and para position
• B. It decrease electron density at meta position
• C. It increases electron density at ortho and para position
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A It decreases electron density at ortho and para position

In nitrobenzene, the nitro group attached to benzene ring electron withdrawing and it shows -R effect which deactivates the benzene ring toward electrophilic substitution.

The resonating structure of nitrobenzene shows development of +ve charge at ortho and meta positions. As a result, the electron density at meta position is relatively higher than at the ortho and para postion. Thus substitution occurs at meta position.