Question

which term correctly describes the relative position of the two substituents on the benzene ring in the compound below?
chemical structure image
trans
cis
ortho
para
meta

Explanation:

1. First, recall the terms for substituent positions on a benzene ring:

• "cis" and "trans" are used for alkenes (double - bonded carbons) to describe substituent positions relative to the double bond, not for benzene rings. So we can eliminate "cis" and "trans".
• "ortho" (o -) means the two substituents are on adjacent carbon atoms (1,2 - positions) of the benzene ring.
• "meta" (m -) means the two substituents are separated by one carbon atom (1,3 - positions) on the benzene ring.
• "para" (p -) means the two substituents are on opposite carbon atoms (1,4 - positions) of the benzene ring.

1. Looking at the given compound, the two substituents (the methyl group and the group attached to the carbon connected to the benzene ring) are on adjacent carbon atoms of the benzene ring. So the correct term is "ortho".

Answer:

ortho