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EEJ MAIN Chemistry QUESTION #5584
Question 1
In the Lucas test, which alcohol reacts the fastest and by which mechanism?
  • Secondary alcohol by $S_N1$
  • Tertiary alcohol by $S_N1$✔️
  • Secondary alcohol by $S_N2$
  • Tertiary alcohol by $S_N2$
Correct Answer Explanation
Lucas reagent is $ZnCl_2$/conc. HCl. The reaction involves formation of a carbocation ($S_N1$). Tertiary alcohols form the most stable tertiary carbocations, so they react immediately (solution turns turbid at once). Secondary alcohols react slowly, and primary alcohols require heating. The mechanism for tertiary (and secondary) alcohols is $S_N1$.