Why is thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) often preferred for the preparation of alkyl chlorides from alcohols

Q: What is the correct answer for CBSE12?

The correct answer is C. When alcohols react with thionyl chloride (R-OH + SOCl₂ → R-Cl + SO₂ + HCl), the byproducts sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) are gases. These gaseous products escape from the reaction mixture, making the purification of the alkyl halide much simpler and leading to a purer product. Other methods often produce liquid or solid byproducts that are harder to separate.

Q: Why is thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) often preferred for the preparation of alkyl chlorides from alcohols?

The correct answer is C. When alcohols react with thionyl chloride (R-OH + SOCl₂ → R-Cl + SO₂ + HCl), the byproducts sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) are gases. These gaseous products escape from the reaction mixture, making the purification of the alkyl halide much simpler and leading to a purer product. Other methods often produce liquid or solid byproducts that are harder to separate.

Q: What are the options for this CBSE12 question?

A. It is a less reactive reagent compared to HX. · B. The reaction is reversible and gives high yields. · C. The byproducts (SO₂ and HCl) are gaseous and easily escape, leading to pure alkyl halide. · D. It requires a catalyst like ZnCl₂ for all types of alcohols.

Question

Why is thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) often preferred for the preparation of alkyl chlorides from alcohols?

FirstInTest · Accepted Answer

When alcohols react with thionyl chloride (R-OH + SOCl₂ → R-Cl + SO₂ + HCl), the byproducts sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) are gases. These gaseous products escape from the reaction mixture, making the purification of the alkyl halide much simpler and leading to a purer product. Other methods often produce liquid or solid byproducts that are harder to separate.

Answer

It is a less reactive reagent compared to HX.

Answer

The reaction is reversible and gives high yields.

Answer

The byproducts (SO₂ and HCl) are gaseous and easily escape, leading to pure alkyl halide.

Answer

It requires a catalyst like ZnCl₂ for all types of alcohols.

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