[decoys]

hey I have a question about knowing if a reaction favours the products or reactants. I just want to confirm that my train of thought is correct. So for this question, . Would reaction A favour the reactants while reaction B will favour the products? Is this correct because chlorine is a better leaving group than the O-R group, thus reaction B can form the products faster? idk if my thoughts are correct. help? 

[TwistedConf]

Would reaction A favour the reactants while reaction B will favour the products? Is this correct because chlorine is a better leaving group than the O-R group, thus reaction B can form the products faster? idk if my thoughts are correct. help? 

You're right that it has to do with relative reactivity of ester vs. acid chloride, and leaving group ability is part of that analysis. 

However, this is an equilibrium question and the rates of product formation aren't strictly part of the answer, so be careful how you explain it.