Which of the following reagents is best used in the conversion of methyl alcohol to methyl chloride?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best reagent for the conversion of methyl alcohol to methyl chloride is SOCl2 (thionyl chloride). This is because thionyl chloride will react selectively with alcohols to give the corresponding chloride by replacing the hydroxyl group with a chlorine atom. The other reagents listed are not suitable for this conversion. Cl2/UV light (option B) is used for chlorination reactions but is not selective for alcohol functional groups. NaCl (option E) is simply table salt and has no use as a reagent in this reaction. Option A and C are not valid reagents.

Which of the Following Reagents Is Best Used in the Conversion