Question

$R-OH+HX\to RX+H_{2}O$
In the above reaction , the reactivity of alcohols is:

• A. tertiary > secondary > primary
• B. tertiary < secondary < primary
• C. tertiary > primary > secondary
• D. secondary > primary > tertiary

Answer 1

The correct option is A tertiary > secondary > primary

The reaction $R-OH+HX\to RX+H_{2}O$ is a nucleophilic substitution reaction where the reactivity of $R-OH$ will depend upon the stability of carbocation that is formed during the reaction via $S_{N}1$ mechanism.

Tertiary carbocations are more stable due to + Inductive effect of alkyl groups then is secondary and least stable is primary carbocation.

The reactivity of alcohols will follow the order

Tertiary alcohol > secondary alcohol > primary alcohol