What are ortho, meta, and para directing groups?

Ortho, Meta, and Para Positions

• Ortho (o-) → next to the existing group
• Meta (m-) → one carbon away
• Para (p-) → opposite side

Directing Groups

1. Ortho/Para directors → usually electron-donating
   • Examples: –OH, –NH₂, –CH₃
   • New groups go to ortho or para positions
2. Meta directors → usually electron-withdrawing
   • Examples: –NO₂, –COOH, –CHO
   • New groups go to meta position

Easy rule:

• Donating group → ortho/para
• Withdrawing group → meta