Why tertiary alchol on treating with Lucas reagent gives turbidity immediately and secondary alcohol give turbidity after some time and primary gives no turbidity
In Lucas test, the alcohol is treated with a solution of anhydrous ZnCl2 in concentrated HCl (Lucas reagent).
The principle of this test is based on the formation of alkyl chloride from alcohol by reaction with conc. HCl in the presence of ZnCl2.
Reaction:
Alkyl chloride are insoluble in water and their formation is indicated by the appearance of turbidity or cloudiness.
The rate of reaction of alcohol with HCl is in the order 3o > 2o > 1o. Hence, tertiary alcohol gives turbidity immediately.