most stable anion est leaving group 十 Again, the process is simply to examine the potential leaving groups, determine which has the strongest conjugate acid (the lower pk), reform the carbonyl allowing that group to leave and draw the final product. Reactions of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives es H2O NH Lia Acid halides are the most reactive acy l derivatives, and can be readily converted into carboxylic acids, esters and amides, by simple reaction with the appropriate nucleophile. The reaction involves an addition-elimination mechanism. as shown belowAgain, the process is simply to examine the potential leaving groups, determine which has the strongest conjugate acid (the lower pKa), reform the carbonyl, allowing that group to leave and draw the final product. Reactions of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives Acid Halides Acid halides are the most reactive acyl derivatives, and can be readily converted into carboxylic acids, esters and amides, by simple reaction with the appropriate nucleophile. The reaction involves an addition-elimination mechanism, as shown below: