Ortho, para directing groups are electron-donating groups; meta directing groups are electron-withdrawing groups. The halide ions, which are electron-withdrawing but ortho, para directing, are the exception.
Here −OH group is strong electron donating group. Hence electrophile can easily give electron.
−OH group in phenol can release electrons to the ring better than −CH3 group in toluene. Cl atom has electron withdrawing effect which inhibits electrophile attack readily.




