Question

Arrange the following compounds in decreasing order of their rates of hydrolysis with water. (A) Acetamide
(B) Acetyl chloride
(C) Ethyl acetate
(D) Acetic anhydride
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C), (D), (B)
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (C) only
• D. (B), (D), (A), (C)

Hint:

Acyl chlorides are the most reactive toward hydrolysis, followed by anhydrides, esters, and amides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Hydrolysis Rates. The hydrolysis rate is directly proportional to the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon. Acetyl chloride (B) exhibits the highest reactivity due to its highly electrophilic chlorine atom. Acetic anhydride (D) follows, then ethyl acetate (C), and finally acetamide (A) as the least reactive compound owing to the stability of the amide group.

Step 2: Conclusion. The established reactivity order is (A), (C), (D), (B). Therefore, the correct option is (1).

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(1) (A), (C), (D), (B)}} \]