When synthesizing alkyl chlorides from alcohols, thionyl chloride is preferred over HCl or PCl5. What physical state of the by-products facilitates this preference?
Q1. When synthesizing alkyl chlorides from alcohols, thionyl chloride is preferred over HCl or PCl5. What physical state of the by-products facilitates this preference?
Answer: Gaseous
Explanation: SO2 and HCl are gases that escape, leaving pure alkyl halide; PCl5 is tempting but leaves liquid POCl3 as a contaminant.