Which group characterizes a phenol with substituents in the meta position?

In the context of aromatic compounds, specifically phenols, the positions of substituents on the benzene ring are defined based on their relationship to one another relative to the hydroxyl (-OH) group. When substituents are located one carbon away from the hydroxyl group, as seen in meta-position, they are classified specifically as meta. This is distinguished from ortho-position, where substituents are adjacent, and para-position, where they are opposite each other on the benzene ring.

Phenolic compounds, which consist of a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group, have their reactivity and physical properties influenced significantly by the position of these substituents. In the meta arrangement, the substituents do not interact as strongly with each other or with the hydroxyl group compared to ortho and para arrangements, where steric and electronic effects are more pronounced.

In this situation, since the question specifically asks for the characterization of a phenol with substituents in the meta position, the correct choice reflects that specific spatial arrangement on the benzene ring, confirming it as meta. Thus, the conclusion is clear: the group that characterizes a phenol with substituents positioned in the meta arrangement is accurately identified as meta.