Rank the following compounds in decreasing order (most to least) of reactivity towards a nucleophilic addition reaction.
A) I II III IV V
B) II IV V III I
C) III I V IV II
D) I III II IV V
E) V IV II III I

Question

Rank the following compounds in decreasing order (most to least) of reactivity towards a nucleophilic addition reaction. 
A) I > II > III > IV > V 
B) II > IV > V > III > I 
C) III > I > V > IV > II 
D) I > III > II > IV > V 
E) V > IV > II > III > I

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In nucleophilic addition reactions, the reactivity of a compound depends on the electron density of the carbonyl group. Compounds with more electron-withdrawing groups on the carbonyl group (such as I and III) are more reactive than compounds with fewer electron-withdrawing groups (such as V). 
Within the electron-withdrawing group-containing compounds, the reactivity is primarily determined by the strength of the electron-withdrawing group. In this case, the amide group in III is the strongest electron-withdrawing group, making it the most reactive. Therefore, the correct order of reactivity is I > III > II > IV > V. The only option that matches this order is D.

Rank the Following Compounds in Decreasing Order (Most to Least)