Reactions of Alcohols
Cleavage of C-O Bond

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Alcohols undergo a number of reactions involving the cleavage of C−O bond. We have already discussed such reactions in preparation of haloalkanes from alcohols. These reactions with required product (i.e., without by-products) are given in the table below for quick revision. For details, refer to preparation of haloalkanes from alcohols.

Quick revision
Reaction of alcohols with Halo acids in presence of anh ZnCl2 yields haloalkanes
Reaction of alcohols with phosphorus trihalides (PCl3)(X=Br,Cl,I)
Reaction of alcohols with phosphorus pentahalide (PCl5)
Reaction of alcohols with hydrogen bromide (HBr)
Reaction of alcohols with hydrogen iodide (HI)
Reaction of alcohols with thionyl chloride (SOCl2)

Reaction with zinc dust

Phenol (not alcohol) is reduced to benzene when it is distilled with zinc dust.

Reaction of alcohol with zinc dust produces benzene

Conversions

Convert n-propyl alcohol to hexane

Convert phenol to toluene

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