In electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, a cyano substituent on the aromatic ring is ________.

A) a deactivator and a m-director
B) a deactivator and an o,p-director
C) an activator and a m-director
D) an activator and an o,p-director
E) none of the above

Cyano Substituent

A cyano substituent refers to a group containing a carbon triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (-C≡N) attached to a molecular framework.

Aromatic Ring

A cyclic molecule with conjugated pi electrons that exhibits enhanced stability, typified by the benzene ring.

Deactivator

A chemical group or substituent attached to an aromatic ring that decreases its reactivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.