The correct order of reactivity towards the electrophilic substitution of the compounds aniline (I), benzene (II) and nitrobenzene (III) is

The correct order of reactivity towards the electrophilic substitution of the compounds aniline (I), benzene (II) and nitrobenzene (III) is
A III > II > I
B II > III > I
C I III
D I > II > III

Detailed Solution

The $-NH_2$ group of aniline donates electrons to the ring by resonance (+R effect), increasing the electron density, especially at ortho and para positions. So aniline is much more reactive than benzene towards electrophiles.
The $-NO_2$ group of nitrobenzene withdraws electrons from the ring by both $-I$ and $-R$ effects, decreasing the electron density. So nitrobenzene is much less reactive than benzene.
Order of reactivity: aniline $\gt$ benzene $\gt$ nitrobenzene.
So I $\gt$ II $\gt$ III.

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