Question

Preparation of ethers by reacting sodium alkoxide with alkyl halides is called

• A. Kolbes synthesis
• B. Williamsons synthesis
• C. Wurtz synthesis
• D. Cannizzarro reaction

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Williamsons synthesis

Answer 2

The reaction of alkoxide ion with alkyl halide to form ether is known as Williamson's synthesis. Williamson's synthesis is used to prepare diethyl ether. This is the industrial process for making ethers. Sodium ethoxide is heated with ethyl iodide to form diethyl ether. $C _{2} H _{5} ONa + C _{2} H _{5} I \rightarrow C _{2} H _{5}- O - C _{2} H _{5}+ NaI$