Which among the following groups when attached to benzene ring will direct the incoming electrophile predominantly to the meta position? (I) – CH₃ (II) –CH₂Cl (III) (IV) –CCl₃ (V) –NHCOCH₃

Due to the presence of 3 electron withdrawing chloro groups and electron deficient nitrogen atom, both withdraws the electron density from ring with same rate. More the deactivating groups, preferred more electron density on m-positions as compared to o.p- positions. Therefore, the III and IV give the reaction predominantly.