In the following reaction, what product(s) may be formed?C2H5OH + PCl5 → ?
Correct answer: C. C2H5Cl, POCl3 and HCl
- A. C2H5Cl only
- B. C2H5Cl and HCl
- C. C2H5Cl, POCl3 and HCl
- D. C2H5Cl and POCl3
Explanation
When ethanol (C2H5OH) reacts with phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5), it undergoes a substitution reaction where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by a chlorine atom, resulting in the formation of chloroethane (C2H5Cl). Additionally, phosphoryl chloride (POCl3) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) are also produced. Thus, the correct products are C2H5Cl, POCl3, and HCl. Options A and B are incorrect because they do not account for all the products, and Option D is incorrect as it omits HCl.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2013 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.
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