Question

The typical reaction of carboxylic acid derivatives ("CAD") is what? The typical reaction of aldehydes and ketones is what? Why is there a difference between the two? Which CADs can be interconverted?

Answer 1

i)The characteristic reactions of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) is nucleophilic addition

The characteristic reaction of CAD (carboxylic acid derivatives is nucleophilic substitution.

ii) the reason for this difference is in carbonyl compounds the leaving group is a strong base (R-) which is difficult to remove.

In carboxylic acid derivatives the leaving group is a weak base , -Cl or _OR or -OCOR and -NH2,

Thus it is easier for CAD to undergo substitution than addition.

iii) The CADs cthat can be interconverted are acid, acid chlorides, esters andhydrides. Though amides are difficult to interconvert they can be converted to acids easily.Amides can not be converted to other CADs.