Question

What is the correct order of reactivity of alcohols in the following reaction? \[ R - OH + HCl \rightarrow R - Cl + H_2O \]

• A. \( 1^\circ>2^\circ>3^\circ \)
• B. \( 3^\circ>2^\circ>1^\circ \)
• C. \( 1^\circ<2^\circ<3^\circ \)
• D. \( 3^\circ>1^\circ>2^\circ \)

Hint:

Alcohols react with \( HCl \) via SN1, where tertiary alcohols react fastest due to stable carbocations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the mechanism.
- The reaction follows the SN1 mechanism, where the stability of the carbocation intermediate determines the rate.
- The order of carbocation stability is \( 3^\circ>2^\circ>1^\circ \), making tertiary alcohols most reactive.