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Oxygen of —OCH 3 forms a partial double bond with carbon of benzene nucleus to which it is attached. –OCH 3 is an electron donating group and activates the benzene nucleus and increases electron density at ortho and para position.

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Question

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Why is O—CH₃, ortho and para directing in aromatic electrophilic substitution?

Answer

Oxygen of —OCH₃ forms a partial double bond with carbon of benzene nucleus to which it is attached. –OCH₃ is an electron donating group and activates the benzene nucleus and increases electron density at ortho and para position.