Which of following carboxylic acid derivatives is most reactive towards nucleophilic substitution?

A) tert-butyl hexanoate

B) para-ethyl benzoyl chloride

C) Butanamide

D) Butanoic pentanoic anhydride

1 Answer
Alexander A.
Dec 8, 2015

B, para ethyl benzoyl chloride is the most reactive towards nucleophilic substitution.

Explanation:

The chlorine on the acyl halide group is an excellent leaving group.
The anhydride, ester, and amide are all worse leaving groups and are less reactive in that order.

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