Question

The reaction between an alkyl halide and an alkoxide ion to give an ether is known as

• A. Williamsons synthesis
• B. Clemmensens reduction
• C. Fittig reaction
• D. Wurtz reaction

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Williamson's synthesis This reaction is used for the preparation of ether. In this method an alkyl halide is treated with sodium alkoxide. The reaction involves nucleophilic substitution of the halogen atom by the alkoxide group.
$R-O^{-}N{a}^{+}+X-R^{\prime }⟶R-O-R^{\prime }+NaX$
This method can be used to prepare symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers.