Question

Write the preparation of (a) diethyl ether and (b) ethyl cyanide from ethyl bromide.

Hint:

Williamson ether synthesis uses alkyl halides and sodium alkoxides to produce ethers.

Answer 1

Diethyl Ether Preparation (Williamson Ether Synthesis): \[ C_2H_5Br + C_2H_5ONa \rightarrow C_2H_5-O-C_2H_5 + NaBr \] Ethyl Cyanide Preparation: \[ C_2H_5Br + KCN \rightarrow C_2H_5CN + KBr \]