Here's how to identify the meta-directing functional groups and determine the total :

Meta-Directing Groups:

• Meta-directing groups are electron-withdrawing. They destabilize the intermediate carbocation that forms during electrophilic aromatic substitution at the ortho and para positions more than at the meta position.


• Common meta-directing groups include:


• -NO₂ (nitro)


• -CN (cyano)


• -COR (carbonyl groups, like ketones and aldehydes)


• -COOH (carboxylic acid)


• -SO₃H (sulfonic acid)

Identifying Meta-Directing Groups in the List:

• -OCH₃: Ortho/para-directing (electron-donating)


• -NO₂: Meta-directing


• -CN: Meta-directing


• -CH₃: Ortho/para-directing (electron-donating)


• -NHCOCH₃: Ortho/para-directing (electron-donating)


• -COR: Meta-directing


• -OH: Ortho/para-directing (electron-donating)


• -COOH: Meta-directing


• -Cl: Ortho/para-directing (weakly deactivating)

Total Count:

There are four meta-directing groups in the list: -NO₂, -CN, -COR, -COOH

Answer:

The total number of meta-directing functional groups is 4.