What is the function of ZnCl2 in lucas test?
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Lucas' reagent is a solution of zinc chloride in concentrated hydrochloric acid, used to classify alcohols of low molecular weight.
The reaction is a substitution in which the chlorine replaces the hydroxy group.
The zinc ion complexes with the hydroxy group (by accepting a lone electron pair from O of -OH), making it a better leaving group.
The remaining carbonium ion then combines with the chloride ion to form an alkyl halide.
R-OH + HCl ==> R-Cl + H2O (reagent used is ZnCl2)
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