Amongst the compounds, Aniline (I), `o-` nitroaniline (II), `p-`nitroaniline (III) and `m-`nitroaniline (IV), the order of increasing basicity is

Options

A. `II lt III lt I lt IV`
B. `II lt III lt IV lt I`
C. `I lt II lt III lt IV`
D. `II lt I lt III lt IV`

Answer

B

Explanation

`-NO_(2)` decreases the basic strength of aniline. The effect is more prounced at o-position, less at the p-position and still less at the m-position.