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Which of the following reagents is preferred for converting an alcohol R-OH into an alkyl chloride because the by-products (SO₂ + HCl) escape as gases, giving a pure product?

APCl₃
BSOCl₂ (thionyl chloride)
CHCl/ZnCl₂
DPCl₅
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. SOCl₂ (thionyl chloride)
**SOCl₂ is preferred**: R-OH + SOCl₂ → R-Cl + SO₂↑ + HCl↑. **Both by-products are gaseous → escape → pure alkyl chloride**. PCl₅/PCl₃ leave POCl₃/H₃PO₃ as liquid by-products that contaminate the product.
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