When pyridine undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution, at which position does substitution occur?
A) 2-position
B) 3-position
C) 4-position
D) At all positions equally

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pyridine is less reactive towards electrophilic aromatic substitution due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the nitrogen atom. When substitution does occur, it preferentially happens at the 3-position (meta position) to minimize the destabilization of the pyridine ring.

When Pyridine Undergoes Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution, at Which Position Does