Williamson Ether Synthesis: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is the mechanism involved in the Williamson ether synthesis?

Choose the correct mechanism:

a) E1 mechanism

b) Sn1 mechanism

c) E2 mechanism

d) Sn2 mechanism

Answer:

The mechanism for the Williamson ether synthesis involves the Sn2 mechanism.

The Williamson ether synthesis involves the reaction between an alkoxide ion and an alkyl halide to form an ether. It proceeds through an Sn2 mechanism.

The Williamson ether synthesis is a commonly used method to prepare ethers. It involves the reaction between alkoxide ion and an alkyl halide. The alkoxide ion is generated by deprotonating an alcohol with a strong base, typically sodium or potassium hydroxide. The alkyl halide can be an alkyl bromide or alkyl iodide. In the reaction, the nucleophilic alkoxide ion attacks the electrophilic carbon of the alkyl halide in an Sn2 (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) mechanism.

The halide ion is displaced, and the alkyl group combines with the alkoxide ion to form the ether product. The reaction is usually conducted in an aprotic solvent such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran to prevent competing reactions.