Free interactive chemistry · SIM-ORG-EAS-002
Substituent effects in aromatic substitution
Substituents on benzene decide whether a new group goes ortho/para or meta, and how fast.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Open the “Directing effects” effect.
- Choose a substituent (OH, CH₃, Cl, NO₂ …).
- See where the π-electron density is highest and read the nitration ratios.
What to notice
- Activating groups donate electrons and direct ortho/para.
- Halogens slow the reaction but still direct ortho/para.
Try this
Why does nitrobenzene react so slowly, and at meta?
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