At what position, and on what ring, is bromination of phenyl benzoate expected to occur?

Question

I know that it would occur on an ortho or para position (right?), but I don't know what ring or how to tell. Please explain it too.

Answer 1

More than likely, it would occur para to the attached O of the phenyl ring, in order to avoid steric interactions with the other ring. In order to determine which ring is substituted, you look at the groups attached to each aromatic ring. The attached O (E- donating group) makes the ring more activated, as compared to the other ring which is deactivated by the attached carbonyl. The more prevalent effect is the activation by the ether, so substitution occurs there

Answer 2

It will occur on the phenyl ring, i.e. the ring attached to the O atom of COO. This ring will be more activated.

Answer 3

Phenyl Benzoate