Explain the directive influence of substituents on benzene and their effect on reactivity,

Explanation

Directive influence of substituents and their effect on reactivity

The electron releasing groups direct the incoming group to ortho and para positions are called ortho and para directing groups, as the electron density is more on o-and p-positions. Hence the electrophilic substitution takes place mainly at these positions.
Aromatic ring become reactive at these position where as at meta position electron density is less hence it is less reactive.
On the other hand electron withdrawing groups are meta directing.