H.V.Z reaction involves the use of P and Cl2
CH3CH2COOHP,Cl2−−−→CH3CHClCOOH The function of phosphorus is
In the formation of PCl3 which converts - COOH into - COCl.
Phosphorus converts a little of the acid into acid chloride which is more reactive than the parent carboxylic acid. Thus is the acid chloride. not the acid itself, that undergoes chlorination on the α - carbon.