# Propan-1-ol can be converted into 1-chloropropane, a haloalkane, in a substitution reaction. Explain how the functional groups in propan-1-ol and 1-chloropropane differ, and describe how a chemist could use a chemical test to confirm that the product formed is a haloalkane and not an alcohol.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry A (H432) — 4.2 Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis · Explain · 5 marks

> Propan-1-ol (CH₃CH₂CH₂OH) reacts with phosphorus pentachloride to produce 1-chloropropane (CH₃CH₂CH₂Cl), hydrogen chloride gas and phosphorus oxychloride. The chemist needs to confirm that the reaction has produced a haloalkane.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Propan-1-ol contains an –OH (hydroxyl) functional group
2. 1-Chloropropane contains a halogen atom (chlorine / C–Cl) as its functional group instead of –OH
3. Add acidified silver nitrate solution to both compounds (after dissolving in ethanol / water)
4. The haloalkane (1-chloropropane) produces a white / cream precipitate of silver chloride
5. The alcohol (propan-1-ol) gives no precipitate / no change with silver nitrate solution, confirming it is not the haloalkane

## Key terms

- [haloalkane](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/haloalkane)
- [alcohol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohol)
- [functional group](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/functional-group)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry A (H432)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/propan-1-ol-can-be-converted-into-1-chloropropane-14a4ba22) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.