An unknown alcohol is treated with the 'Lucas reagent' to determine whether the alcohol is primary, secondary or tertiary. Which alcohol reacts fastest and by what mechanism?
A. Secondary alcohol by `S_(N)1`
B. Tertiary alcohol by `S_(N)2`
C. Secondary alcohol by `S_(N)2`
D. Tertiary alcohol by `S_(N)1`

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1 Answers

Correct Answer - D
The reaction of alcohol with Lucas reagent is mostly an `S_(N)1` reaction and the rate of reaction is directly proportional to the stability of carbocation formed in the reaction. Since, `3^(@)R-OH` forms `3^(@)` carbocation (most stable) hence it wil react fastest.
`underset("Tertiary alcohol")(R_(3)COH) overset("Conc. HCl") underset("Anhy. "ZnCl_(2))rarr R_(3)"CCl"+H_(2)O rarr" Turbidity appears immediately"`

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