Question

Why are esters more deactivating that ketones?

Answer 1

Since the -OR group is a stronger electron donor (resonance) than the alkyl group of the ketone, the ester is less reactive than the ketone... so we get : (b) The aldehyde, carboxylic acid and ester will be reduced to the same product, benzyl alcohol.

Answer 2

the bayer villiger oxidation is the oxidative cleavage of a carbon carbon bond adjacent to a carbonyl which converts ketones to esters and cyclic ketones to lectons.