Question

The below conversion can proceed through a

• A. Carbocation intermediate
• B. Free eadical intermediate
• C. Carbanion intermediate
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Carbocation intermediate

When treated with HBr or HCl, alcohols typically undergo nucleophilic substitution reaction to generate an alkyl halide and water. The reaction usually proceeds via a $S_{N}1$ mechanism which proceeds via carbocation intermediate.
Initially the $OH$ group will get protonated and then it leaves to form a carbocation. Then, the $C{l}^{-}$ will attack the carbocation to form alkyl chloride.
Hence, (a) is correct.