Preparation of Alkyl Halide from Alcohol

[Soaring Crane]

Explain why the aqueous washing of your alkyl halide product from the reaction of t-butyl alcohol with concentrated HCL must be carried out quickly.


Washing the product with aqueous NaOH would get rid of any traces of acid left by neutralizing it, but I don't understand what time has to do with the washings. Can anyone explain this to me?

Thanks.

 

[GCT]

Probably to reduce co-precipitation.

 

[tandoorichicken]

water can act as an acid or a base. If water is left to stand with your t-butyl chloride you can eliminate a small amount, get back your t-butanol and lose some product.