MP Board · Class 12 · Chemistry · Alcohols, Phenols and EthersWhat is Williamson ether synthesis? Give one example.

Williamson ether synthesis is an important laboratory method used for the preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers. The reaction involves the nucleophilic substitution of an alkyl halide by an alkoxide ion. For example, the reaction of sodium ethoxide with bromoethane yields diethyl ether along with sodium bromide as a byproduct. The general chemical reaction proceeds smoothly via an SN2 mechanism when primary alkyl halides are used, yielding high percentages of the desired ether product.