Meta (m)

Definition

In the context of aromatic compounds, meta (m) describes the position of substituents on a benzene ring where they are separated by one carbon atom, specifically with a 1,3-relationship. This means that if you were to number the carbon atoms in a benzene ring starting from where one substituent is located, the other would be found on the third carbon.

Related terms

Ortho (o): Describes substituents on a benzene ring that are directly adjacent to each other, indicating a 1,2-relationship between them.

Para (p): Refers to substituents positioned opposite each other on a benzene ring, which corresponds to a 1,4-relationship.

Substituent: Any atom or group of atoms attached to another molecule, taking the place of an atom or group of atoms