Zaymiey

🧪 Chemistry  ·  Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers  ·  NEET & JEE

Which reagent is used in Lucas test?

Answer: ZnCl2 and HCl.

  • A ZnCl2 and HCl
  • B KMnO4
  • C NaOH
  • D Br2 water

Correct answer: A. ZnCl2 and HCl

Explanation: Lucas reagent consists of concentrated HCl and anhydrous ZnCl2.

Why Phenol Is More Acidic Than an AlcoholO⁻phenoxide ioncharge delocalised into ring (resonance)⟷stabilisedCO⁻alkoxide ion (ethanol)charge stuck on one O, NOT stabilised

The phenoxide ion's negative charge spreads into the aromatic ring through resonance, lowering its energy and making phenol give up its proton more easily; an alkoxide ion (from a plain alcohol) has nowhere to delocalise the charge, making alcohols far less acidic.

Concept context

Oxygen-containing organic compounds. Understand the acidic nature of phenols, reactions of alcohols (dehydration, oxidation, esterification), and properties of ethers. Includes industrial applications and named reactions.

Read the full Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers notes →