Question

Carboxy group attached to the benzene ring is meta directing as well as deactivating in nature.why?

Answer 1

as we draw the resonating structures of benzoic acid (carboxy group attached to benzene ring ),we see that the positive charge revolves in the ring at ortho and para positions ,thus decreasing the electron density at these positons.Due to this the electron density at meta position is more compared to ortho and para.Thus the incoming electrophile(electron deficient) attacks at the meta position and forms a meta substituted product.Thus making the -COOH group meta directing.

hope it helps

Answer 2

because oxygen atoms on the carboxyl group pull the electron towards itself from the benzene ring therefore it is deactivating and the resonance structure formed is meta directing....