Williamson ether synthesis reagent

Alkoxide (RO- Na+) as nucleophile (alkoxide ex) methoxide (CH4 O- Na+) or the sodium propoxide (CH3CH2CH2O-Na+) Alkyl halide as Electrophile

Williamson ether synthesis reagent

Alkoxide (RO- Na+) as nucleophile

Alkyl halide as Electrophile, typically a primary alkyl halide, is reacted with an alkoxide to produce ethers.

alkoxide

strong base and good nucleophile. ex) methoxide (CH4 O- Na+) or the sodium propoxide (CH3CH2CH2O-Na+)

williamson etherson mechanism

This reaction is an example of an SN2 mechanism, where the alkoxide attacks the electrophilic carbon of the alkyl halide, resulting in the formation of an ether and the release of a halide ion.

ether synthesis

1. Williamson ether synthesis

2. Acid-Catalyzed Dehydration

acid catalyzed dehydration

use alcohol instead of primary alkyl halide

Nucleophile: Alcohol (work as base) Electrophile: The H+ from the H2SO4 (the acid).