Question

Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols are distinguished by 

(a) Oxidation method 

(b) Lucas test

(c) Victor Meyer method 

(d) All of the above

Answer 1

(d) All of the above

Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols are distinguished by, oxidation method, Lucas test, and Victor Meyer's method.

Oxidation method :

Primary alcohols on oxidation by a suitable oxidizing agent Na₂​Cr₂​O₇​ sodium dichromate produces aldehydes which can be further oxidized to carboxylic acids, whereas the secondary alcohol on oxidation will produce ketones and have no tendency to undergo further oxidation, and tertiary alcohols are not oxidized by acidified sodium or potassium dichromate(VI) solution.

Lucas test :

It is based on the difference in three types of alcohols towards Lucas reagent (a mixture of conc.  HCl) and anhydrous ZnCl₂​ at room temperature.

Victor Meyer's method:

In this test an unknown alcohol is converted into the corresponding nitro alkane which is then treated with nitrous acid followed by alkalizing the solution.

Primary alcohol gives blood-red colour, secondary alcohol gives blue and tertiary alcohol remains colourless.