Arrange these compounds in decreasing order of reactivity for the nucleophilic addition reaction:
(l) Acid chloride
(ll) Aldehyde
(lll) Ketone
(lV) Ester
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Options

A. l `gt` ll `gt` lll `gt` lV
B. IV` gt` III `gt` II `gt` I
C. III `gt` II `gt` I `gt` IV
D. I `gt` IV `gt`II `gt`III

Answer

To arrange the compounds in decreasing order of reactivity for nucleophilic addition reactions, we need to analyze the electron deficiency of the carbonyl carbon in each compound. The more electron-deficient the carbonyl carbon is, the more reactive it will be towards nucleophiles.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**: The compounds given are:
- (I) Acid chloride (RCOCl)
- (II) Aldehyde (RCHO)
- (III) Ketone (RCOR')
- (IV) Ester (RCOOR')

2. **Understand the Effects on Electrophilicity**:
- **Acid Chloride**: The carbonyl carbon is highly electrophilic due to the strong electron-withdrawing effect of the chlorine atom. This makes acid chlorides very reactive.
- **Aldehyde**: Aldehydes have one electron-donating group (alkyl or hydrogen) and one electron-withdrawing carbonyl group. This results in a moderate level of electrophilicity.
- **Ketone**: Ketones have two electron-donating groups (alkyl groups), which reduce the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon compared to aldehydes.
- **Ester**: Esters have an alkoxy group (OR) that can donate electrons through resonance, further reducing the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon.

3. **Rank the Compounds**:
- **Most Reactive**: Acid Chloride (I) - highest electrophilicity due to strong electron-withdrawing effect of Cl.
- **Second Reactive**: Aldehyde (II) - moderate electrophilicity due to one electron-donating group.
- **Third Reactive**: Ketone (III) - lower electrophilicity due to two electron-donating groups.
- **Least Reactive**: Ester (IV) - lowest electrophilicity due to resonance donation from the alkoxy group.

4. **Final Order**: Based on the analysis, the order of reactivity for nucleophilic addition reactions is:
- (I) Acid chloride > (II) Aldehyde > (III) Ketone > (IV) Ester

### Conclusion:
The correct order of reactivity for the nucleophilic addition reaction is:
**(I) > (II) > (III) > (IV)**