Question

The function of $Zn{Cl}_2$ in Lucas test for alcohols is:

• A. to act as an acid catalyst and react with $HCl$ to form $H_{2}Zn{Cl}_4$
• B. to act as a base catalyst and react with $NaOH$ to form ${Na}_{2}Zn{\left(OH\right)}_4$
• C. to act as an amphoteric catalyst
• D. to act as a neutral catalyst

Answer 1

The correct option is A to act as an acid catalyst and react with $HCl$ to form $H_{2}Zn{Cl}_4$

The lucas reagent which is the mixture of $HCl$ and $ZnC{l}_2$ act as an catalyst for the reaction in which $ZnC{l}_2$ act as an acid catalyst which react with $HCl$ to form $H_{2}ZnC{l}_4$. The reagent is used to differentiate and categorize primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols.

$2HCl+ZnC{l}_2\to H_{2}ZnC{l}_4$

Hence A is correct