Question

Two statements, Assertion and Reason are given below. Choose the correct option. 
Assertion: $ \text{n-propyl tert-butyl ether can be readily prepared in the laboratory by Williamson's synthesis.} $ 
Reason: The reaction occurs by $ S_N1 $ attack of Primary alkoxide on Tert-alkyl halide to give a good yield of the product, $ \text{n-propyl tert-butyl ether.} $

• A. Assertion is incorrect but reason is correct.
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
• D. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.

Hint:

In Williamson synthesis, the reaction mechanism is \( S_N2 \), not \( S_N1 \). The nucleophile (alkoxide ion) attacks the electrophilic carbon in the alkyl halide directly, displacing the halide ion in a single step.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The given Assertion and Reason can be analyzed as follows: 

1. Assertion: \( \text{n-propyl tert-butyl ether can be readily prepared in the laboratory by Williamson's synthesis.} \) - This statement is correct. In the Williamson ether synthesis, an alkoxide ion (such as \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{O}^- \)) reacts with an alkyl halide (such as \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{I} \)) to form an ether, in this case, n-propyl tert-butyl ether. 

2. Reason: The reaction occurs by \( S_N1 \) attack of Primary alkoxide on Tert-alkyl halide to give a good yield of the product, \( \text{n-propyl tert-butyl ether.} \) - This statement is incorrect. The reaction mechanism for the Williamson synthesis generally follows an \( S_N2 \) mechanism, not \( S_N1 \). In an \( S_N2 \) mechanism, the nucleophile (alkoxide) directly displaces the leaving group (the halide) in a single step. The \( S_N1 \) mechanism, on the other hand, involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate, which is not favored in this case because of the primary nature of the alkyl halide. 

Thus, the Assertion is correct, but the Reason is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is (C).