What is Activated and Deactivated?
In organic chemistry, the terms "activated" and "deactivated" refer to the effect of substituents on the reactivity of a benzene ring. A substituent is an atom or group that is attached to the ring. The type of substituent can either increase or decrease the reactivity of the ring, making it more or less susceptible to electrophilic substitution reactions.
Direct Answer
Activated and deactivated refers to the effect of substituents on the reactivity of a benzene ring. A substituent is an atom or group that is attached to the ring. The type of substituent can either increase or decrease the reactivity of the ring, making it more or less susceptible to electrophilic substitution reactions.
Types of Substituents
There are two types of substituents: activating and deactivating.
Activating Substituents
- Donor substituents: These substituents donate electron density to the ring, making it more reactive. Examples include -CH3, -OH, -NH2, and -COOCH3.
- Activating groups: These substituents increase the reactivity of the ring by donating electron density. Examples include -CH3, -OH, -NH2, and -COOCH3.
Deactivating Substituents
- Acceptor substituents: These substituents withdraw electron density from the ring, making it less reactive. Examples include -Cl, -Br, -I, and -NO2.
- Deactivating groups: These substituents decrease the reactivity of the ring by withdrawing electron density. Examples include -Cl, -Br, -I, and -NO2.
Effect on Reactivity
The type of substituent attached to the benzene ring can significantly affect its reactivity. Activating substituents increase the reactivity of the ring, making it more susceptible to electrophilic substitution reactions. Deactivating substituents decrease the reactivity of the ring, making it less susceptible to electrophilic substitution reactions.
Examples
- Toluene (C6H5CH3) is an activating group because the methyl group donates electron density to the ring.
- Nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2) is a deactivating group because the nitro group withdraws electron density from the ring.
Table: Activating and Deactivating Substituents
| Substituent | Effect on Reactivity |
|---|---|
| Donor substituents (-CH3, -OH, -NH2, -COOCH3) | Activating |
| Acceptor substituents (-Cl, -Br, -I, -NO2) | Deactivating |
Conclusion
In conclusion, activated and deactivated refer to the effect of substituents on the reactivity of a benzene ring. Activating substituents increase the reactivity of the ring, while deactivating substituents decrease it. Understanding the type of substituent attached to the ring is crucial in predicting its reactivity and determining the outcome of electrophilic substitution reactions.