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

Explanation

In aryl alkyl ethers. the `+R` cffect of the alkoxy group (OR) increases the electron density in the benzene ring (as shown below) thereby activating the benzene ring towards eléctrophilic substitution reactions.
FIGURE
Since the electron density increases more at the two ortho and one para position as compared tò m - positions, therefore, electrophilic substitution reactions mainly occur at O and p -positivé.
FIGURE