Assignment:
This was an experiment done in lab class. The following alcohol was reacted with hydrochloric acid in presence of zinc chloride (HCl-ZnCl2) and the result:
1. 1-butanol; test tube has no color change, clear liquid
2. 2-butanol; test tube had two layers formed, top lawer lookes white and oily
3. 2-methyl-2-propanol (tert-butanol); tube tube was white and murky
Q1. Write balance equation for the following two reactions with HCl-ZnCl2 that occurred
a. 2-butanol
b. 2-methyl-2-propanol (tert-butanol)
Q2. By which mechanism (SN1 or SN2) did these reactions occur? How do you know? (Assume both react by the same mechanism)
Provide complete and step by step solution for the question and show calculations and use formulas.