To distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, we can use specific chemical tests. The relevant tests are the Lukas test and the Victor Meyer test. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how these tests work:
### Step 1: Understanding the Tests
- **Lukas Test**: This test uses anhydrous zinc chloride in concentrated HCl. It helps differentiate alcohols based on the speed of the reaction.
- **Victor Meyer Test**: This test involves treating the alcohol with phosphorus and iodine, followed by reactions with silver nitrate and nitrous acid. The resulting color indicates the type of alcohol.
### Step 2: Performing the Lukas Test
1. **Tertiary Alcohol Reaction**:
- Example: \( \text{(CH}_3)_3\text{COH} \)
- When treated with Lukas reagent, it forms a tertiary alkyl halide, and white turbidity appears immediately.
2. **Secondary Alcohol Reaction**:
- Example: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH(OH)CH}_3 \)
- When treated with Lukas reagent, it forms a secondary alkyl halide, and white turbidity appears after 5 to 10 minutes.
3. **Primary Alcohol Reaction**:
- Example: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \)
- When treated with Lukas reagent, there is no reaction at room temperature, and thus no turbidity.
### Step 3: Performing the Victor Meyer Test
1. **Primary Alcohol Reaction**:
- Example: \( \text{RCH}_2\text{OH} \)
- After treatment with phosphorus and iodine, and subsequent reactions, it gives a red blood color with alkali.
2. **Secondary Alcohol Reaction**:
- Example: \( \text{R}_2\text{CHOH} \)
- After treatment, it gives a blue color with alkali.
3. **Tertiary Alcohol Reaction**:
- Example: \( \text{R}_3\text{COH} \)
- After treatment, there is no reaction, and thus no color change occurs.
### Conclusion
- **Lukas Test**: Immediate turbidity for tertiary alcohol, delayed turbidity for secondary alcohol, and no reaction for primary alcohol.
- **Victor Meyer Test**: Red color for primary alcohol, blue color for secondary alcohol, and no color for tertiary alcohol.
### Final Answer
The chemical tests that can be used to distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols are:
- **Lukas Test**
- **Victor Meyer Test**
