Asked in Premeth Test 22 — Carboxylic Acids, Alcohols and Phenols (24 March 2025) 2025Moderate

Which of the following derivatives of carboxylic acid is least reactive towards nucleophilic acyl substitution?

Correct answer: B. Acid amide

  • A. Acid halide
  • B. Acid amide
  • C. Ester
  • D. Acid anhydride

Explanation

The amide ion (NH2) is a very poor leaving group, making amides the least reactive of the common carboxylic acid derivatives. Their stability is also enhanced by resonance involving the nitrogen lone pair.

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About Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

Carboxylic acid derivatives include acid halides, acid anhydrides, esters and amides, formed by replacing the hydroxyl group of a carboxylic acid. Their nomenclature, structures, preparation, hydrolysis and relative reactivity are linked through nucleophilic acyl substitution, which differs from the nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones.

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