The structural formula of 4-Bromonitrobenzene represents a benzene ring with a nitro group (–NO₂) attached at one position and a bromine atom (–Br) attached at the para-position (position 4) relative to the nitro group. This arrangement signifies a 1,4-disubstituted benzene derivative.
Understanding the Structure
4-Bromonitrobenzene is an aromatic compound, meaning it contains a stable benzene ring as its core. The naming convention provides crucial information about its structure:
- Benzene: This indicates a six-carbon cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with alternating single and double bonds.
- Nitrobenzene: This refers to a benzene ring where one hydrogen atom has been replaced by a nitro group (–NO₂).
- 4-Bromo: This specifies the position of the bromine atom relative to the nitro group. If the carbon atom bearing the nitro group is designated as position 1, then the bromine atom is attached to the carbon atom at position 4. This is also known as the para isomer.
Key Characteristics
To further clarify, consider these structural details:
- Benzene Ring: The fundamental component is a stable, planar six-membered carbon ring.
- Substituents:
- Nitro Group (–NO₂): Consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, typically one oxygen with a double bond and one with a single bond, carrying a formal negative charge, while the nitrogen carries a formal positive charge, contributing to resonance stabilization.
- Bromine Atom (–Br): A halogen atom directly attached to a carbon of the benzene ring.
- Positional Isomerism: The "4-" in 4-Bromonitrobenzene highlights its specific isomer. Other possible isomers would be 2-Bromonitrobenzene (ortho) and 3-Bromonitrobenzene (meta), where the bromine is at position 2 or 3, respectively, relative to the nitro group.
Molecular Formula and Properties
The molecular formula for 4-Bromonitrobenzene is C₆H₄BrNO₂. This formula reflects the six carbons of the benzene ring, four remaining hydrogen atoms after two substitutions, one bromine atom, and one nitro group.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₄BrNO₂ |
| Parent Compound | Benzene |
| Functional Groups | Nitro (–NO₂), Bromo (–Br) |
| Isomer Type | para (1,4-disubstituted) |
| Alternative Name | 1-Bromo-4-nitrobenzene |
| Structure Visual | Benzene ring with -NO₂ at C1 and -Br at C4 |
Practical Implications
Understanding the precise structural formula is critical for:
- Chemical Synthesis: Predicting reaction pathways and product formation in organic synthesis.
- Spectroscopy: Interpreting NMR, IR, and Mass Spectrometry data to confirm compound identity.
- Pharmacology: Relating structure to activity in drug design, as the position of substituents significantly impacts biological properties.
- Material Science: Designing new materials with specific electronic or optical properties.
In summary, 4-Bromonitrobenzene is definitively characterized by its benzene ring, with a nitro group and a bromine atom positioned directly opposite each other, making it the para-isomer.
