Question

Which alcohol reacts faster with $\mathrm{HCl}/{\mathrm{ZnCl}}_2$ ?

Answer 1

1. $\mathrm{HCl}/{\mathrm{ZnCl}}_2$ is known as Lucas reagent.
2. This reagent is used to test the presence of alcohol whether it is primary, secondary, or tertiary.
3. According to the reactivity of all the alcohols, the test gives different results.
4. Since tertiary alcohols are the most basic in nature, hence they react immediately with Lucas's reagent to form a turbid solution.
5. Secondary alcohols react within 5-7 minutes and primary alcohols do not react at room temperature.
6. The order of reactivity with Lucas reagent is Tertiary > Secondary > Primary alcohol.