Question

`R-OH + HX to R -X + H_(2)O`
In the above reaction the reactivity of different alcohols is
A. `1^(@) gt 2^(@) gt 3^(@)`
B. `1^(@) lt 2^(@) gt 3^(@)`
C. `3^(@) gt 2^(@) gt 1^(@)`
D. `3^(@) gt 1^(@) gt 2^(@)`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
The given reaction is nucleophilic substitution reaction in which `-OH` group is replaced by `-Cl`. Tertiary alcohols, when react with HCl in presence of `ZnCl_(2)`, from tertiary carbocation.
This intermediate `3^(@)` carbocation is more stable than `2^(@)` carbocation as well as `1^(@)` carbocation. Higher the stability of intermediate, higher will be the reactivity of reactant molecule.
So, the order of reactivity of alcohols in the given reaction is `3^(@) gt 2^(@) gt 1^(@)` and correct option is (c).