Para (p)

Definition

In the context of organic chemistry, specifically when discussing benzene and aromaticity, "para" refers to the positioning of substituents on a benzene ring where they are located opposite each other, with two carbon atoms between them. This is one of the configurations used in naming aromatic compounds based on their structure.

Related terms

Ortho (o): Refers to substituents on a benzene ring that are adjacent to each other, or one carbon atom apart.

Meta (m): Describes substituents on a benzene ring that are separated by one carbon atom, or essentially two positions apart.

Substituent: A group of atoms that replaces a hydrogen atom on the basic skeleton of an organic molecule, affecting its properties and reactions