Question

For which functional derivative of carboxylic acids, acidic hydrolysis is the fastest?

• A. Acid chlorides
• B. Acid amides
• C. Acid anhydrides
• D. Esters

Answer 1

The correct option is A Acid chlorides

Acid chloride can be hydrolysed most readily among all acid derivatives.

The electronegative chlorine atom pulls electrons toward it in the $C-Cl$bond, which makes the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic. This makes nucleophilic attack easier. Also, the $C{l}^{-}$ is an excellent leaving group, so that step is also fast.

The acid hydrolysis is fastest for acid chlorides and slowest for acid amides.

Also, the rate of acid hydrolysis is greater for acid anhydrides than for esters.

Option A is correct.