The decreasing order of ease of alkaline hydrolysis for the following esters is

Options

A. IV lt I lt II lt III
B. III lt II lt I lt IV
C. IV lt II lt I lt III
D. II lt I lt IV lt III

Answer

A

Explanation

Higher the `delta+` (partial positive) on carbonyl carbon of ester, easier will be its alkaline hydrolysis
is easiest to hydrolyze due to `NO_2` group at para position (-M)
is most difficult to hydrolyze due to `OCH_3` group at para position (+M)
It is easier to hydrolyze compound II in comparison to compound I due to –I effect of Cl in compound II.