Question

Write the chemical equation for Williamson’s synthesis.

Hint:

Williamson’s synthesis is widely used to prepare ethers through nucleophilic substitution.

Answer 1

Williamson’s synthesis is a reaction between an alkoxide ion and a primary alkyl halide to form an ether. The general reaction is:
\[ \text{R-O}^{-} + \text{R'}\text{X} \rightarrow \text{R-O-R'} + \text{X}^- \] Where:
- \text{R-O}$^-$ is the alkoxide ion,
- \text{R'}\text{X} is the alkyl halide,
- \text{R-O-R'} is the ether formed.