Question:

Which is the Lucas reagent among following?

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Lucas reagent is anhydrous zinc chloride dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Anhydrous \(\text{ZnCl}_{2}\) dissolved in conc. \(\text{HNO}_{3}\)
  • \(\text{ZnCl}_{2(aq)}\) dissolved in conc. HCl
  • Anhydrous \(\text{ZnCl}_{2}\) dissolved in conc. HCl
  • Anhydrous \(\text{ZnCl}_{2}\) dissolved in dil. HCl
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Lucas reagent is used to distinguish primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols by how fast they turn turbid.

Step 2: Composition
It is a solution of anhydrous \(\text{ZnCl}_{2}\) in concentrated HCl.
Anhydrous \(\text{ZnCl}_{2}\) is a Lewis acid that helps break the C-OH bond, and concentrated HCl supplies \(\text{Cl}^{-}\).

Step 3: Why the others fail
Aqueous zinc chloride or dilute HCl brings too much water, which weakens the reagent.
Nitric acid does not provide chloride ions at all.

Final Answer:
Lucas reagent is anhydrous ZnCl2 in conc. HCl. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Anhydrous }\text{ZnCl}_{2}\text{ dissolved in conc. HCl}} \]
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