How do alcohols react with hydrogen halides, and how is the Lucas test utilized to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols?

Alcohols react with hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr, HI) to undergo nucleophilic substitution, forming alkyl halides. The reaction rate depends on the alcohol’s structure; tertiary alcohols react fastest, followed by secondary and primary alcohols. The Lucas test distinguishes between them by observing the time taken for turbidity or precipitation, indicating alkyl halide formation. Tertiary alcohols show rapid turbidity, secondary alcohols exhibit a slower response, while primary alcohols react slowly or not at all. This test exploits the varying reactivity of alcohols with hydrogen halides, providing a qualitative method to identify alcohol types based on their substitution reactions.