Ortho (o)

Definition

In organic chemistry, specifically within the context of benzene and aromaticity, "ortho" (abbreviated as "o") indicates that two substituents on a benzene ring are adjacent to each other, meaning they are positioned on carbon atoms that are next to one another. This term is part of the nomenclature used in naming aromatic compounds where the spatial arrangement of atoms is crucial for identifying chemical structures.

Related terms

Meta (m): Indicates that substituents on a benzene ring are separated by one carbon atom, akin to skipping one desk between two students.

Para (p): Refers to substituents on opposite sides of the benzene ring, like two students sitting directly across from each other in a circle.

Aromaticity: The chemical property of conjugated rings such as benzene where electrons are shared over several atoms, creating stability and unique reactions