noun
- an atom or group of atoms that replaces another atom or group in a chemical compound
Usage: chemistry
Examples
- The methyl group acts as a substituent on the benzene ring.
- Different substituents can dramatically alter a molecule’s properties.
- The chemist identified the chlorine substituent in the organic compound.
- Electron-withdrawing substituents affect the reaction rate.
- The position of the substituent determines the compound’s name.
- Bulky substituents can create steric hindrance in chemical reactions.