An unknown alcohol is treated with the Lucas reagent ( and anhydrous ). Immediate turbidity is obser — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
An unknown alcohol is treated with the Lucas reagent ($conc. HCl$ and anhydrous $ZnCl_2$). Immediate turbidity is observed. Which of the following correctly describes the reacting alcohol and the kinetic mechanism?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
Tertiary alcohols react immediately with the Lucas reagent to form an insoluble alkyl chloride, creating instant turbidity. Because the intermediate tertiary carbocation is highly stable, the reaction predominantly proceeds via an $S_N1$ mechanism.
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