Explain the fact that in aryl ethers, (i) the alkoxy group activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution and (ii) it directs the incoming substituents to ortho and para positions in benzene ring.

Explanation

The alkoky Eroup Increases the electron density on the benzene ring and therefore, activate the aromatic ring towards electrophilie mbetitution reaction is given below:

As it is clear, structures III, IV and V show hlich electron density at ortho and para positions and therefore, direct the Incoming substituents to o- and p-position in the benene ring.