* Electron-withdrawing effect of the benzene ring: The benzene ring in benzoyl chloride is electron-withdrawing due to the resonance effect. This makes the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack.

* Steric hindrance: While benzoyl chloride has a larger molecule, the steric hindrance around the carbonyl carbon is less pronounced than in ethanoyl chloride. This is because the benzene ring can rotate and move out of the way of attacking nucleophiles.

* Stabilization of the intermediate: The tetrahedral intermediate formed after nucleophilic attack on benzoyl chloride is stabilized by resonance with the benzene ring. This stabilization makes the reaction more favorable.

In summary, the combined effect of the electron-withdrawing nature of the benzene ring, less steric hindrance, and stabilization of the intermediate makes benzoyl chloride more reactive towards nucleophilic attack compared to ethanoyl chloride.