Question

Which method is useful for the synthesis of ether?

• A. Williamson Ether Synthesis with a benzyl bromide derivative
  
  
• B. Nucleophilic substitution involving sodium phenoxide
  
  
• C. Williamson Ether Synthesis with alkoxide and alkyl sulfonate
  
  
• D. Dehydration of alcohol using sulfuric acid at high temperature
  
  

Hint:

The Williamson Ether Synthesis is the most efficient method for preparing ethers, involving the reaction of sodium alkoxide with a primary alkyl halide or alkyl sulfonate via an SN2 mechanism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding ether synthesis methods. Ethers (\({R-O-R'}\)) can be synthesized by several methods, but the Williamson Ether Synthesis is the most reliable and widely used approach. 
Step 2: Identifying the correct reaction. - The Williamson Ether Synthesis involves the reaction of a sodium alkoxide (\({R-O}^-\)) with a primary alkyl halide or alkyl sulfonate (\({R'-X}\)). 
- The given reaction in option C follows this method, where a sodium alkoxide reacts with an alkyl sulfonate to form an ether under mild heating. 
Step 3: Eliminating incorrect Option. 
- Option A: Involves a benzyl bromide derivative, which may lead to side reactions. 
- Option B: Though nucleophilic substitution can form ethers, it is not as general or effective as the Williamson method. 
- Option D: The acid-catalyzed dehydration of alcohol at high temperature (443 K, using \({H}_2{SO}_4\)) is used to form ethers, but this method is not ideal for unsymmetrical ethers and works mainly for primary alcohols. 
Thus, the correct answer is (C) Williamson Ether Synthesis with alkoxide and alkyl sulfonate.