Answer: A
The better the leaving group (lower pKa of the conjugate acid) and the weaker the resonance donation to carbonyl, the more reactive the derivative. Chloride (pKa -7) is best and gives little resonance donation; carboxylate (4.76) is next; ethoxide (16) follows; amide nitrogen is the strongest donor and the worst leaving group (35). Order: acid chloride > anhydride > ester > amide.