When alcohol reacts with phosphorous halides, it gives:
Correct answer: A. Alkyl halides
- A. Alkyl halides
- B. Alkyl amine
- C. Alkanes
- D. Alkynes
Explanation
When alcohol reacts with phosphorus halides such as phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) or phosphorus tribromide (PBr₃), it undergoes nucleophilic substitution to form alkyl halides.The reaction typically proceeds through an SN2 (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) mechanism, where the halogen (Cl or Br) from the phosphorus halide replaces the hydroxyl group (-OH) of the alcohol. The phosphorus halide serves as a halogenating agent in this reaction.
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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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