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.
![**Reaction Mechanism Task**
**Objective:** Provide mechanisms for the following reaction:
**Reactants:**
1. Benzene (C₆H₆)
2. 2-bromo-2-methylpropane ((CH₃)₃CBr)
**Reagent:**
- Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)
**Product:**
- 2-methyl-2-phenylpropane ((CH₃)₃C−C₆H₅)
**Reaction Description:**
This reaction involves the formation of an alkylated benzene ring via the Friedel-Crafts alkylation process.
**Mechanism Overview:**
1. **Formation of Carbocation:**
- Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) acts as a Lewis acid and interacts with the bromine atom of the 2-bromo-2-methylpropane, generating a carbocation ((CH₃)₃C⁺).
2. **Electrophilic Attack:**
- The benzene ring acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbocation, forming a sigma complex. This step results in the addition of the alkyl group onto the benzene ring.
3. **Deprotonation:**
- The sigma complex undergoes deprotonation to restore the aromaticity of the benzene ring, leading to the final product.
The reaction showcases a classic example of Friedel-Crafts alkylation, emphasizing electrophilic aromatic substitution.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fe0440bae-aaea-4b30-a6d7-59f732dd66dd%2F9d5e3818-df5e-4123-b8c9-ab260204389e%2Frwfua2l_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
![](/static/compass_v2/shared-icons/check-mark.png)
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps with 2 images
![Blurred answer](/static/compass_v2/solution-images/blurred-answer.jpg)
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305957404/9781305957404_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781259911156/9781259911156_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Principles of Instrumental Analysis](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305577213/9781305577213_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305957404/9781305957404_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781259911156/9781259911156_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Principles of Instrumental Analysis](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305577213/9781305577213_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Organic Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9780078021558/9780078021558_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Chemistry: Principles and Reactions](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305079373/9781305079373_smallCoverImage.gif)
![Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781118431221/9781118431221_smallCoverImage.gif)