Draw the structure for each compound. b. meta-dibromobenzene

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Step 1: Understand the structure of benzene. Benzene is a six-carbon ring with alternating double bonds, represented as a hexagon with a circle inside or alternating double lines.

Step 2: Identify the 'meta' position in benzene. In benzene derivatives, the 'meta' position refers to the 1,3-positions on the benzene ring.

Step 3: Place the first bromine atom on one of the carbon atoms in the benzene ring. This will be your reference point, often labeled as position 1.

Step 4: Place the second bromine atom on the carbon atom that is two positions away from the first bromine atom, which is the 'meta' position (position 3) on the benzene ring.

Step 5: Draw the complete structure, ensuring that the benzene ring is intact and the two bromine atoms are correctly positioned at the 1 and 3 positions on the ring.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Benzene Structure

Benzene is a cyclic hydrocarbon with the formula C6H6, characterized by a ring of six carbon atoms with alternating double bonds, often represented as a hexagon with a circle inside. This structure exhibits resonance, meaning the electrons are delocalized, contributing to its stability and unique chemical properties. Understanding the basic structure of benzene is essential for drawing derivatives like dibromobenzene.

Substitution Reactions

In organic chemistry, substitution reactions involve replacing one atom or group in a molecule with another. For benzene derivatives, such as dibromobenzene, electrophilic aromatic substitution is the primary mechanism, where bromine replaces hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring. Recognizing how substitution affects the structure and properties of the compound is crucial for accurately drawing its structure.

Meta Positioning

In the context of aromatic compounds, 'meta' refers to the relative positions of substituents on the benzene ring. For meta-dibromobenzene, the two bromine atoms are located on the benzene ring at the 1,3-positions, meaning they are separated by one carbon atom. Understanding the significance of these positions is vital for accurately representing the compound's structure and predicting its chemical behavior.