The compound which is most reactive towards electrophilic substitution is:
The correct option is A i.e Toluene
The Methyl group(from toluene) is an electron releasing group, so it is an activating group. Activating groups attached to the benzene ring increase the reactivity of benzene towards electrophilic substitution.
The −NO2 group(from nitrobenzene) and -COOH(from benzoic acid) are electron-withdrawing groups, so they are deactivating groups. Deactivating groups attached to the benzene ring decreases the reactivity of benzene towards electrophilic substitution. Because they deactivate the aromatic ring by decreasing electron density on the ring by resonance.
So, the compound which is more reactive towards electrophilic nitration is toluene.