
The reaction is a typical example of the Williamson ether synthesis method, which involves the formation of an ether from an alkyl halide and an alkoxide ion. This reaction is a nucleophilic substitution where the alkoxide ion attacks the alkyl halide, displacing the halide ion and forming an ether.
The general reaction can be written as:
\(R - X + R - ONa → R - O - R + NaX\)
The Williamson ether synthesis is an important method for preparing ethers in organic chemistry through a nucleophilic substitution mechanism.
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Dimethyl ether is completely soluble in water. However, diethyl ether is soluble in water to a very small extent.
Statement II: Sodium metal can be used to dry diethyl ether and not ethyl alcohol.
In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Alcohol is a derivative of water (H2O) that has one, two, or more hydroxyl groups that are attached to a carbon atom of a hydrocarbon chain (an alkyl group). It is one of the most common organic compounds used in sweeteners, fragrances, and medicine.
Read More: Types of Alcohol