Lucas test

Objectives:
To be able to observe the rate or reaction with the Lucas reagent

Procedure:
Preparation of Lucas reagent: dissolve 16 grams of anhydrous ZnCl2 in 10 mL
of concentrated HCl. Cool the mixture.
1. Place 5 drops of each of the following into 3 separate clean and dry test
tube: n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol and tert-butyl alcohol. Label the test
tubes accordingly.
2. Add 1 mL of the freshly prepared Lucas reagent in each of the test tubes.
Stoppering the test tubes with a cork and mix the contents by tapping the
vials with your fingers.
3. After mixing, remove the cork and allow each of the vial to stand for
5minutes.
4. Note the presence of cloudiness or two-layers.
5. If there is no cloudiness formed, put the test tube with clear solution in a
water bath at 60C for 15 minutes.
6. Record your observation in the Report Sheet.

Experimental results:

Lucas test
This test is for low molecular weight alcohols and it
distinguishes the rates of reaction of alcohols with the Lucas
reagent (HCl and ZnCl2). Positive indicator of the reaction is
the formation of a water insoluble alkyl chloride as cloudiness
or a precipitate.

Lucas reagent
is a solution of zinc chloride in concentrated hydrochloric
acid, used to classify alcohols of low molecular weight.
Reaction: SUBSTITUTION

Sample equations:
Primary Alcohol

 Secondary Alcohol

 Tertiary Alcohol