Question

Is $\mathrm{OH}$ group electron donating or withdrawing?

Answer 1

1. The electron donating group is ortho para directing which means it increases the electron density in the ortho and para positions.
2. Electron withdrawing groups are usually meta-directing groups.
3. As $\mathrm{OH}$ is electron rich species so it can donate its electron easily, the donation of electrons occurs by the oxygen atom.
4. The following picture will give a better understanding of the nature of $\mathrm{OH}$.
5. The ortho and para directing groups are $\mathrm{OH}$ and ${\mathrm{NHCOCH}}_3$. These groups also donate electrons, while incoming groups attack in the orthogonal and paragon directions.

Hence, $\mathrm{OH}$ group is an electron donating group.