Question

Alkyl halides form ethers by reacting with which of the following?

• A. Dry \( \text{Ag}_2 \text{O} \)
• B. Moist \( \text{Ag}_2 \text{O} \)
• C. Dry \( \text{ZnO} \)
• D. Moist \( \text{ZnO} \)

Hint:

Moist \( \text{ZnO} \) facilitates the formation of ethers by promoting the nucleophilic substitution of alkyl halides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
Alkyl halides can react with \( \text{ZnO} \) to form ethers. The reaction typically occurs when the alkyl halides react with moist \( \text{ZnO} \) under heat, facilitating the formation of the ether. Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) Dry \( \text{Ag}_2 \text{O} \): Dry silver oxide reacts with alkyl halides, but it does not typically lead to ether formation.
(B) Moist \( \text{Ag}_2 \text{O} \): Moist silver oxide can react with alkyl halides to form ethers in some cases, but moist \( \text{ZnO} \) is more commonly used.
(C) Dry \( \text{ZnO} \): Dry zinc oxide does not typically participate in ether formation.
(D) Moist \( \text{ZnO} \): Correct — Moist \( \text{ZnO} \) reacts with alkyl halides to form ethers.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) because moist \( \text{ZnO} \) is used to form ethers from alkyl halides.