Williamson Synthesis
Easychemistry
Williamson ether synthesis involves:
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
R-ONa + R'-X
Williamson Ether Synthesis is the most important laboratory method for preparing symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers.
- Reaction: R−O−Na++R′−X→R−O−R′+NaX
- Mechanism: It follows an SN2 pathway, where the alkoxide ion serves as a nucleophile attacking the alkyl halide.
- Constraint: To achieve high yields, especially for unsymmetrical ethers, the alkyl halide (R′−X) should be primary (1∘). Secondary or tertiary halides primarily undergo elimination (E2) to form alkenes due to the basic nature of the alkoxide.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- organic compounds containing oxygen
- Topic
- williamson synthesis
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
R-ONa + R'-X
Williamson Ether Synthesis is the most important laboratory method for preparing symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers.
- Reaction: R−O−Na++R′−X→R−O−R′+NaX
- Mechanism: It follows an SN2 pathway, where the alkoxide ion serves as a nucleophile attacking the alkyl halide.
- Constraint: To achieve high yields, especially for unsymmetrical ethers, the alkyl halide (R′−X) should be primary (1∘). Secondary or tertiary halides primarily undergo elimination (E2) to form alkenes due to the basic nature of the alkoxide.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter organic compounds containing oxygen, covering the topic of williamson synthesis. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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