Acid protonates the carboxylic acid derivative in nucleophillic acyl substitutions making it more electrophilic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a carboxylic acid derivative undergoes nucleophilic acyl substitution, it acts as an electrophile. Protonation of the carbonyl oxygen by an acid (e.g. HCl) leads to the formation of a more electrophilic intermediate, which is then attacked by a nucleophile (e.g. an amine or an alcohol) to form the final product.

Acid Protonates the Carboxylic Acid Derivative in Nucleophillic Acyl Substitutions