NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Chemistry
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Chemistry · Chapter
An organic compound whose structure is shown above is treated with...
An organic compound whose structure is shown above is treated with Lucas reagent (a mixture of concentrated HCl and anhydrous ) at room temperature.
Which of the following is the correct observation for this reaction?
Options
- AWhite turbidity appears immediately.
- BWhite turbidity appears after 5 minutes.
- CNo turbidity is observed even after prolonged heating.
- DWhite turbidity appears only upon heating.
Correct answer
A. White turbidity appears immediately.
Step-by-step solution
The given organic compound is 1-methylcyclohexanol. In this structure, the carbon atom bonded to the hydroxyl () group is also bonded to three other carbon atoms (one from the methyl group and two from the cyclohexane ring). Therefore, it is a tertiary () alcohol.
The Lucas test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. The Lucas reagent is a mixture of concentrated and anhydrous . The reaction proceeds via an mechanism, forming an alkyl chloride which is insoluble and appears as a white turbidity.
The rate of reaction depends on the stability of the intermediate carbocation. Since tertiary carbocations are the most stable, tertiary alcohols react fastest.
Observations for the Lucas test at room temperature:
- Tertiary () alcohols: White turbidity appears immediately.
- Secondary () alcohols: White turbidity appears after 5 minutes.
- Primary () alcohols: No turbidity at room temperature (appears only upon heating).
Since the given compound is a tertiary alcohol, it will react with the Lucas reagent to produce white turbidity immediately.
Answer: White turbidity appears immediately.
The Lucas test is used to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. The Lucas reagent is a mixture of concentrated and anhydrous . The reaction proceeds via an mechanism, forming an alkyl chloride which is insoluble and appears as a white turbidity.
The rate of reaction depends on the stability of the intermediate carbocation. Since tertiary carbocations are the most stable, tertiary alcohols react fastest.
Observations for the Lucas test at room temperature:
- Tertiary () alcohols: White turbidity appears immediately.
- Secondary () alcohols: White turbidity appears after 5 minutes.
- Primary () alcohols: No turbidity at room temperature (appears only upon heating).
Since the given compound is a tertiary alcohol, it will react with the Lucas reagent to produce white turbidity immediately.
Answer: White turbidity appears immediately.