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JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3o1036

The acyl derivatives , , and release the leaving groups , , and in the second step of nucleophilic acyl substitution. The conjugate acids have pKa about -7, 4.76, 16 and 35 respectively. Considering leaving-group ability and resonance donation to the carbonyl, the order of reactivity toward nucleophiles is

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

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.
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