An epoxide is formed when an aldehyde or ketone is treated with a sulfonium ylid. An example of this transformation is shown below. CH3 CH3 DMSO (solvent) CH3 CH3 Wo did nat din
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.
![### Epoxide Formation via Sulfonium Ylid Treatment
When an aldehyde or ketone is treated with a sulfonium ylid, it forms an epoxide. This transformation is an essential reaction in organic chemistry.
#### Reaction Example
- **Reactants:**
- Cyclohexanone (a cyclic ketone) with an oxygen double bond.
- Sulfonium ylid: \((CH_3)_2S^+CH_2^-\)
- **Reagents and Conditions:**
- Solvent: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
- **Products:**
- Epoxide: A three-membered cyclic ether with an oxygen atom.
- Byproduct: \((CH_3)_2S\)
The process involves the transfer of the ylides methylene group to the carbonyl carbon of the ketone, resulting in the epoxide formation and the release of dimethyl sulfide.
This transformation showcases the ability of ylides to engage in effective nucleophilic attacks, facilitating the creation of strained three-membered rings which are valuable intermediates in synthesis.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F4783cb6f-c9a6-486a-a4d0-5a07a49ff57e%2F9a7525ce-134c-4853-a309-a9ffc620666c%2Fff6ha22_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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