Among the followings the compound that can be most readily nitrated is:

Explanation

The hydroxyl group (−OH) in phenol is a strong activating group that enhances the reactivity of the aromatic ring towards electrophilic substitution reactions, such as nitration. The donation of electron density through resonance stabilizes the intermediate formed during nitration and allows for multiple substitutions. This makes phenol more readily nitrated compared to other compounds. Benzene, while capable of nitration, is less reactive due to the absence of electron-donating groups. Benzoic acid and chlorobenzene are both deactivated towards nitration due to their electron-withdrawing effects, making them less reactive than phenol.