Final answer:
When alcohols react with HBr, HCl, or HI, the hydroxyl group is replaced by a halogen atom, resulting in the formation of an alkyl halide and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction between an alcohol and a hydrogen halide (HBr, HCl, or HI) leads to the substitution of the hydroxyl group (OH) with a halogen atom, producing an alkyl halide and water as byproducts. The general reaction can be represented as follows:
R-OH + HX → R-X + H₂O
In this equation, R represents the alkyl group, X represents the halogen atom (Br, Cl, or I), and H₂O is water. The specific mechanism of the reaction (SN₁ or SN₂) depends on the structure of the alcohol, such as whether it is primary, secondary, or tertiary. The conditions, including temperature and solvent, can influence the reaction pathway.