Question:

Amongst the following alcohols which would react fastest with conc. \(\mathrm{HCl}\) and \(\mathrm{ZnCl_2}\) ?

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Conc. HCl with anhydrous ZnCl2 is the Lucas reagent; reactivity follows carbocation stability: 3° > 2° > 1°.
Updated On: Oct 31, 2026
  • pentanol
  • 2-methyl butanol
  • 2-pentanol
  • 2-methyl butan-2-ol
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The reaction with Lucas reagent (\(\mathrm{conc.\ HCl + ZnCl_2}\)) proceeds via \(\mathrm{S_N1}\) through a carbocation, so the rate depends on the stability of that carbocation.
Pentanol and 2-methylbutanol (2-methylbutan-1-ol) are primary alcohols and would give primary carbocations - very slow.
2-Pentanol is secondary - moderate.
2-Methylbutan-2-ol, \(\mathrm{(CH_3)_2C(OH)CH_2CH_3}\), is tertiary - gives the most stable tertiary cation and reacts immediately (turbidity at once).
Answer: (4) 2-methyl butan-2-ol
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