Hey guys can anyone explain, why NO2 is attached only at ortho & para not in meta? Pls help me?

Question

Answer

NO2 group only attach to para and ortho position bcz ,electron density due to resonance in benzene ring change only at ortho and para position so ,NO2 is attach at ortho and para position in activating group like OH,OR,NH2 while in deactivating group it attack at meta position.

Answer

Answer

NO2 Attachment in Ortho, Meta, and Para Positions

Ortho and Para Positions:
- In the case of NO2 attachment, the molecule is a strong electron-withdrawing group due to its electronegative nature.
- When NO2 is attached at the ortho or para positions of a benzene ring, it can stabilize the intermediate carbocation formed during electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.
- This stabilization is achieved by delocalizing the positive charge through resonance with the nitro group, making the reaction more favorable at these positions.
- As a result, ortho and para positions are more reactive towards electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions when NO2 is present.

Meta Position:
- On the other hand, when NO2 is attached at the meta position of a benzene ring, it does not provide the same level of stabilization to the intermediate carbocation.
- The resonance effects with the nitro group are not as effective at the meta position, leading to a higher energy transition state and making the reaction less favorable compared to ortho and para positions.
- As a result, the attachment of NO2 at the meta position is less common in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

In conclusion, the reactivity of NO2 attachment at different positions on a benzene ring can be explained by the stabilizing effects of the nitro group through resonance. This understanding is crucial in predicting the regioselectivity of electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions involving NO2-substituted benzene rings.

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