Which of the following is most reactive for hydrolysis ?

Options

A. `CH_3-overset(O)overset(||)C-O-CH_3`
B. `CH_3-overset(O)overset(||)C-O-underset(CH_3)underset(|)(CH)-CH_3`
C. `CH_3-overset(O)overset(||)C-O-underset(CH_3)underset(|)overset(CH_3)overset(|)(C)-CH_3`
D.

Answer

To determine which of the given compounds is most reactive towards hydrolysis, we need to analyze the electron density around the carbonyl carbon in each compound. The more electron-deficient the carbonyl carbon is, the more reactive it will be towards nucleophilic attack by hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**:
Let's denote the compounds as follows:
- Option 1: CH₃C(=O)OCH₃
- Option 2: CH₃C(=O)OCH(CH₃)₂
- Option 3: CH₃C(=O)OC(CH₃)₃
- Option 4: A cyclic compound with multiple substituents.

2. **Analyze Electron Density**:
- **Option 1**: In this compound, the carbonyl carbon (C=O) is attached to a methoxy group (OCH₃). The methoxy group has a slight electron-donating effect due to the oxygen's lone pair, which can reduce the electron deficiency of the carbonyl carbon.
- **Option 2**: The carbonyl carbon is attached to a methoxy group and a propyl group. The propyl group is larger and can also donate electron density, further reducing the electron deficiency compared to Option 1.
- **Option 3**: Here, the carbonyl carbon is attached to a tert-butyl group (C(CH₃)₃). This group is highly electron-donating, which significantly decreases the electron deficiency of the carbonyl carbon.
- **Option 4**: In the cyclic compound, the presence of multiple substituents also increases electron density around the carbonyl carbon, making it less electron deficient.

3. **Determine Reactivity**:
- The reactivity towards hydrolysis is inversely related to the electron density around the carbonyl carbon. The more electron-rich the carbon is, the less reactive it will be towards nucleophilic attack.
- Therefore, among all the options, **Option 1** (CH₃C(=O)OCH₃) has the least electron-donating groups and thus the most electron deficiency, making it the most reactive towards hydrolysis.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The most reactive compound towards hydrolysis is **Option 1: CH₃C(=O)OCH₃**.