Lucas test inalcoholsis a test to differentiate betweenprimary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.
Lucas' reagentis a solution of anhydrouszinc chloridein concentratedhydrochloric acid.
Tertiary alcohols react immediately with Lucas reagent as evidenced byturbidityowing to the low solubility of the organic chloride in the aqueous mixture.
Secondary alcohols react within five or so minutes (depending on their solubility).
Primary alcohols do not react appreciably with Lucas reagent at room temperature.
