Question

Which reagent cannot be used to prepare an alkyl chloride from an alcohol?

• A. $HCl+\text{anhyd.}ZnC{l}_2$
• B. $NaCl$
• C. $PC{l}_5$
• D. $SOC{l}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $NaCl$

In alcohol, the $O{H}^{-}$ is not a very good leaving group. So, the snthesis of alkyl halides from alcohol takes place in presence of acid or a reagent which can act as both chlorine source as well as easy removal of oxygen atom from alcohol. Hence $NaCl$ can't be used to prepare alkyl chloride from alcohol.