Final answer:
Electron-withdrawing groups are directors that pull electrons away from the carbon atom, except for the amino group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electron-withdrawing groups are directors that pull electrons away from the carbon atom, decreasing electron density and making the carbon atom more positive. They direct the incoming group to attach to the ortho or para positions in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. Examples of electron-withdrawing groups include nitro (--NO2), carbonyl (--C=O), and halogens (--Cl, --Br).
The one and only exception to electron-withdrawing groups as directors is the amino group (--NH2). The amino group is an electron-donating group and directs the incoming group to the meta position in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.