What does the term 'meta-' refer to in disubstituted benzenes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition of the 'meta-' prefix in the context of disubstituted benzene compounds, specifically identifying the spatial arrangement of the substituents on the benzene ring.
Answer
'Meta-' means substituents on benzene separated by one carbon.
In disubstituted benzenes, the term 'meta-' refers to two substituents on the benzene ring that are separated by one carbon atom or positioned at the 1,3-locations.
Answer for screen readers
In disubstituted benzenes, the term 'meta-' refers to two substituents on the benzene ring that are separated by one carbon atom or positioned at the 1,3-locations.
More Information
The 'meta-' positioning in aromatic compounds such as benzene is important in chemical nomenclature and affects the properties of the molecule, including its reactivity and the types of reactions it can undergo.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing 'meta-' with 'ortho-' or 'para-'. Remember, 'ortho-' is for adjacent substituents, 'meta-' is for substituents with one carbon between them, and 'para-' is for opposite positions.
Sources
- Nomenclature of Disubstituted Benzenes - chem.libretexts.org
- The Definition of Ortho, Meta, and Para in Organic Chemistry - thoughtco.com
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