Question

Unsymmetrical ethers can be made by the Williamson synthesis, in which an alkoxide ion reacts with an alkyl bromide. Draw the structure of the alkoxide and thealkyl bromide needed to produce 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropane (a.k.a. t-butyl ethyl ether), shown below. Show charges where appropriate.

Answer 1

Williamson ether synthesis:

The reaction of alkoxides and phenoxides with the alkyl halides known as Williamson's synthesis of ethers. It is very important method for the synthesis of simple and mixed ethers. This reaction is followed by the S_N2 mechanism because the preferred path uses the less sterically hindered alkyl halide.