Ethanol reacts with which of the following reagent to form ethyl chloride?
Correct answer: C. PCl3
- A. H2SO4/H2O
- B. NaOH
- C. PCl3
- D. All of these options are correct
Explanation
Ethanol can react with PCl3 (phosphorus trichloride) to form ethyl chloride (ethyl alcohol). This reaction is known as the Fischer esterification reaction. The reaction proceeds by the substitution of the hydroxyl group (-OH) in ethanol with the chloride group (-Cl) from PCl3.The reaction can be represented as follows:Ethanol + PCl3 → Ethyl chloride + H3PO3
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About Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary and studied through their hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation and reactions with active metals, acids and halogenating agents. Phenols require separate treatment because the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring, making their acidity and electrophilic substitution different from ordinary alcohols.
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