1.

Based on the results of Lucas test on the representative alcohols, give the generalization on how
each class of alcohols can be differentiated (a) primary alcohol (b) secondary alcohol (c) tertiary
alcohol

The experiment's primary alcohols are 1-butanol (n-butyl alcohol) and phenol, while 2-butanol
(sec-butyl alcohol) serves as our experiment's secondary alcohol and 2-methyl-2-propanol (tert-
butyl alcohol) as our tertiary alcohol. The primary alcohol doesn't really change color, as well as
the solution does not acquire any color since there is no visible reaction. The solution turns
mildly cloudy and opaque after twenty minutes when secondary alcohol is added, which reacts
more slowly. Furthermore, the tertiary alcohol reacts faster and easier than the two class of
alcohols, which is the, primary and secondary alcohols. It provides an instant positive result.

2. Suggest a simple chemical test that will differentiate between the following pairs of compounds.
write equations for the reaction involved.

a) A phenol and isopentyl alcohol

Ferric chloride test. Isopentyl alcohol does not alter color, whereas phenol produces
blue, green, and violet hues.

b) Tert-butyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol

Lucas test. The equimolar mixture of ZnCl2 and concentrated HCl is mixed with alcohol.

If the solution form oily layer 3-5 minutes: Isobutyl alcohol (secondary alcohol)
If the solution form oily layer immediately: tert-butyl alcohol

c) Neopentyl alcohol and ether

The reaction with sodium metal can be used to discriminate between neo-pentyl alcohol
and ether. While ether does not react with sodium metal, neo-pentyl alcohol will react
to release H2 gas.

d) Sec-butyl alcohol and neopentyl alcohol

Lucas test. Equimolar mixture of ZnCl2 and concentrated HCl is treated with alcohol.
 For sec-butyl alcohol – solution form oily layer in 3-5 minutes.
For Neo-pentyl alcohol – At room temperature, there is no visible reaction, and heating
alone causes an oily layer to form.
e) Propene and 2-butanol
Bromine water test. While alcohol does not affect the color of the solution, alkene
reacts with bromine water to turn it colorless.

3. What test will allow you to distinguish between:

a) Benzyl alcohol and cyclohexanol
We can apply the Lucas test since cyclohexanol and benzyl alcohol are both alcohols. We
anticipate that since benzyl alcohol is a primary alcohol, there won't be much of a
reaction. We also have cyclohexanol, which is a secondary alcohol, so after some time,
there is a positive reaction that will occur.

b) Benzyl alcohol and phenol

Since phenols can react with a neutral ferric chloride solution, we can use the ferric
chloride test. Alcohols are negative in the test, however there is an evolution of heat
and gas that produces green, blue, and violet colors.

c) Cyclohexanol and 1-methylcyclohexanol

Since 1-methylcyclohexanol and cyclohexanol are both alcohols. We may apply the
Lucas test. Since cyclohexanol is a secondary alcohol, a positive reaction will
eventually occur. Since 1-methylcyclohexanol is a tertiary alcohol, we had anticipated
that there would be an immediate cloudiness or a positive reaction.

d) O-cresol and anisole

The ferric chloride test might be used. In the ferric chloride test, o-cresol is positive
because the color changes again according to the kind of substituted phenol, but anisole
is negative.

e) Benzyl alcohol and anisole

We can use bromine water test. Since benzyl is a primary alcohol, we already expect
that there will be no reaction. Otherwise, anisole will have a positive test as it
decolorizes bromine.
4. Write the structural formulas of isomeric five-carbon saturated alcohols. How do they react with
the Lucas reagent? Acetyl chloride?
Structures of all isomeric alcohols of five-carbon saturated alcohols:

Lucas reagent is ZnCl2 + HCl. Alkyl chlorides are then created from alcohols using the Lucas
reagent. While primary alcohols do not react in any appreciable way, secondary alcohols often
show signs of responding within five minutes and tertiary alcohols offer an instantaneous
reaction, evident when the alcohol solution appears cloudy.
 Reaction of Acetyl Chlorides with Alcohols gives ester.

5. How would you account for the difference in the behavior of allyl alcohol 1-propanol with the
Lucas reagent?
Anhydrous zinc chloride with HCl, a Lucas reagent, reacts with alcohol in the following order.
Allyl > tertiary > secondary > primary
Allyl alcohol and 1-propanol may react with the Lucas reagent, though the reaction is not visible
towards the human eye. Considering the fact that both are primary alcohols, we are aware,
that primary alcohols don't have a cloudy or whitish look. We can observe any response if these
 primary alcohols are heated since the solution can develop an oily coating. They may easily react
with the Lucas reagent as compared to secondary and tertiary alcohols, producing a cloudy and
white precipitate in the solution.

6. Write the reactions for samples that gave positive test in Lucas test, Acetyl chloride test, FeCl3
test and Bromine in water test.