$$\text{Identify correct statement/s : }(A) -OCH_3 \text{ and } -NHCOCH_3 \text{ are activating groups. } (B)-CN \text{ and } -OH \text{ are meta directing groups. } (C) -CN \text{ and } -SO_3H$$ are meta directing groups.  $$(D)$$ Activating groups act as ortho- and para-directing groups.  $$(E)$$ Halides are activating groups. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

We need to identify the correct statements about directing groups and activating/deactivating groups in electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Statement (A): $$-OCH_3$$ and $$-NHCOCH_3$$ are activating groups.

$$-OCH_3$$ (methoxy) is a strong activating group due to the lone pair donation from oxygen into the ring through resonance. $$-NHCOCH_3$$ (acetylamino) is a moderate activating group; the nitrogen lone pair donates electron density to the ring, though the carbonyl partially withdraws it. Overall, both are activating groups. Statement (A) is CORRECT.

Statement (B): $$-CN$$ and $$-OH$$ are meta-directing groups.

$$-CN$$ is an electron-withdrawing group (meta-directing), but $$-OH$$ is an electron-donating group that directs to ortho and para positions. Statement (B) is INCORRECT.

Statement (C): $$-CN$$ and $$-SO_3H$$ are meta-directing groups.

Both $$-CN$$ and $$-SO_3H$$ are electron-withdrawing groups that direct incoming electrophiles to the meta position. Statement (C) is CORRECT.

Statement (D): Activating groups act as ortho- and para-directing groups.

This is a well-established rule in electrophilic aromatic substitution. Activating groups donate electron density to the ring, preferentially stabilizing the carbocation intermediate at ortho and para positions. Statement (D) is CORRECT.

Statement (E): Halides are activating groups.

Halides ($$-F, -Cl, -Br, -I$$) are deactivating groups. Although they are ortho/para-directing (due to lone pair donation by resonance), the strong inductive electron-withdrawing effect makes the ring less reactive overall. Statement (E) is INCORRECT.

The correct statements are (A), (C), and (D).

The correct answer is Option 4: (A), (C) and (D) only.