NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3o1166
Which of the following carboxylic acid derivatives is the most reactive towards nucleophilic acyl substitution?
ACHX3−COCl
B(CHX3CO)X2O
CCHX3−CO−OCX2HX5
DCHX3−CO−NHX2
Answer: A
Reactivity follows the leaving-group ability, i.e. the weakness of the conjugate base: ClX− (from HCl) is the weakest base. The order is acid chloride > anhydride > ester > amide, so CHX3−COCl is the most reactive.