Reactions of Ethers
Ethers (R-O-R’) are compounds formed by replacing hydrogen atoms of an alcohol (R-OH compound) or a phenol (C6H5OH) by an aryl/ acyl group (functional group after removing single hydrogen from an aromatic ring). In this section, reaction, preparation and behavior of ethers are discussed in the context of organic chemistry.
Epoxides
Epoxides are a special class of cyclic ethers which are an important functional group in organic chemistry and generate reactive centers due to their unusual high reactivity. Due to their high reactivity, epoxides are considered to be toxic and mutagenic.
Williamson Ether Synthesis
An organic reaction in which an organohalide and a deprotonated alcohol forms ether is known as Williamson ether synthesis. Alexander Williamson developed the Williamson ether synthesis in 1850. The formation of ether in this synthesis is an SN2 reaction.
Below is a schematic representation of possible reactions that Compound X can undergo. Use the scheme to answer the following questions. –
a. What is the IUPAC name for Compound X?
b. What type of reaction (s) is/are represented by (i) and (ii)?
c. Compound X undergo transitions through either [A] or [B] to produce compounds [1], [2], [3] and [4]. Draw the structures of [A] and [B].
d. Illustrating with reaction mechanisms, show how compounds [1], [2], [3] and [4] are formed.
e. Which of the compounds in the following pairs will occur in relatively higher yields and why?
i. [1] and [2]
ii. [3] and [4]
![(1]
[2]
[A]
OH
CH
CH3
Compound X
( ii
[B]
[3]
[4]](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fec85b5ec-e941-4a04-805c-19432314587e%2Fccebe632-d943-4f82-8f9c-5da7145e6472%2Fx8zmscs_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
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