Lucas test is used for distinction of:

Options

A. Alcohols
B. Phenols
C. Alkyl halides
D. Aldehydes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Lucas Test**: The Lucas test is a qualitative test used to distinguish between different types of alcohols based on their reactivity with Lucas reagent, which is a mixture of anhydrous zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).

2. **Types of Alcohols**: There are three types of alcohols based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached:
- Primary (1°) alcohols: The -OH group is attached to a carbon that is connected to one other carbon.
- Secondary (2°) alcohols: The -OH group is attached to a carbon that is connected to two other carbons.
- Tertiary (3°) alcohols: The -OH group is attached to a carbon that is connected to three other carbons.

3. **Reaction Mechanism**: When alcohols react with the Lucas reagent, they undergo a substitution reaction where the -OH group is replaced by a chloride ion (Cl⁻):
- For **1° alcohols**, cloudiness (formation of an alkyl chloride) occurs only upon heating.
- For **2° alcohols**, cloudiness appears after about 5 minutes.
- For **3° alcohols**, cloudiness appears immediately upon mixing.

4. **Conclusion**: The Lucas test is primarily used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols based on the time taken for cloudiness to appear.

5. **Final Answer**: The Lucas test is used for the distinction of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.

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