Skip to content
Question 33 of 43

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:

(i) Williamson Synthesis Reaction
(ii) Reimer-Tiemann Reaction
(iii) Benzoin Condensation Reaction. (1x3=3)
West Bengal WbchseWest Bengal HS (WBCHSE) Board 2022Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
77% · 33/43 Questions
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

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: R-OH+HCl→ZnCl2R-Cl+H2OR\text{-}OH + HCl \xrightarrow{ZnCl_2} R\text{-}Cl + H_2O

The alcohol's -OH is first activated by coordinating with ZnCl2 (making it a good leaving group as [ROZnCl2]−[ROZnCl_2]^-/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. …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.