Q.What is Lucas Reagent? Distinguish 1 degree, 2 degree and 3 degree alcohols by Lucas test. (1+2) OR Give examples of the following reactions with equation:
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Lucas reagent (ZnCl2 + conc. HCl) converts alcohols to alkyl chlorides via an SN1 mechanism; the rate of turbidity (insoluble RCl separating out) reflects carbocation stability and so distinguishes 1°, 2°, and 3° alcohols.
Composition: Lucas reagent is a mixture of anhydrous zinc chloride (a Lewis acid catalyst) dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid, mixed in roughly equimolar proportion.
Reaction:
The alcohol's -OH is first activated by coordinating with ZnCl2 (making it a good leaving group as /water), then Cl^- attacks — an SN1-type pathway going through a carbocation intermediate. Alkyl chloride is insoluble in the aqueous mixture, so its formation is seen as turbidity (cloudiness).
Distinguishing test:
- 3° alcohol (e.g. tert-butanol): turbidity appears IMMEDIATELY at room temperature — the 3° carbocation formed is the most stable. …
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