Question

Explain the fact that in aryl alkyl ethers
The alkoxy group activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution.

It directs the incoming substituents to ortho and para positions in benzene ring.

Answer 1

In aryl alkyl ethers, +R effect of the alkoxy group (-OR) increases the electron density in the benzene ring thereby activating the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution reactions.

Electron density is more at o- and p-positions so o- and p-products are mainly formed during electrophilic substitution reactions.

​​