Q34 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (17 April Shift 2) · Chemistry

Which of the following alcohols on addition of Lucas reagent reacts fast and turns the reagent turbid instantly.

  • A
    n - Butyl alcohol
  • B
    sec - Butyl alcohol
  • C
    iso - Butyl alcohol
  • Correct answer
    D
    tert - Butyl alcohol

Solution

Lucas reagent is a mixture of concentrated $\text{HCl}$ and anhydrous $\text{ZnCl}_2$.

The reaction of alcohols with Lucas reagent proceeds via an $S_N1$ mechanism, which involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

The rate of reaction depends on the stability of the carbocation formed. The order of stability of carbocations is tertiary $>$ secondary $>$ primary. Therefore, the reactivity of alcohols towards Lucas reagent follows the order: tertiary $>$ secondary $>$ primary.

Tertiary alcohols react instantly to form an insoluble alkyl halide, producing immediate turbidity.

Secondary alcohols react in about 5 minutes to produce turbidity.

Primary alcohols do not produce turbidity at room temperature.

Among the given options, tert-butyl alcohol is a tertiary alcohol, so it forms a stable tertiary carbocation and reacts instantly to give turbidity.

n-butyl alcohol and iso-butyl alcohol are primary alcohols, while sec-butyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol.

Answer: tert - Butyl alcohol

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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