Answer: acid chloride > anhydride > ester > amide.
- A anhydride > acid chloride > amide > ester
- B amide > ester > anhydride > acid chloride
- C ester > amide > acid chloride > anhydride
- D acid chloride > anhydride > ester > amide
Correct answer: D. acid chloride > anhydride > ester > amide
Explanation: The better the leaving group and the more electrophilic the carbonyl, the faster the reaction: acid chloride > anhydride > ester > amide.
Curved arrows show the nucleophile attacking the carbonyl carbon while the C=O pi electrons move onto oxygen, giving a tetrahedral alkoxide intermediate.
Concept context
Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives (esters, amides, acid chlorides). Key reactions include nucleophilic addition, Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro, and Claisen. Very heavily tested in JEE and NEET.
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