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.
beginning with the compound shown, suggest a synthesis for each of the compounds shown below. Clearly
show all intermediates and reaction conditions. Several steps are required for each synthesis conversion
- **Reaction Process**:
- Toluene reacts, likely undergoing electrophilic aromatic bromination and side-chain oxidation processes.
- **Final Product**:
- Structure: Benzene ring with a carboxyl group (CO₂H) para to the bromine (Br) substituent, indicating that the bromine and methyl groups both direct the incoming substituent to the para position via baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and carbon dioxide through a Friedel-Crafts reaction.
- Chemical notation: 
**e)** The bottom part of the diagram represents a single-step transformation of toluene to form a bromobenzyl derivative.
- **Initial Compound**:
- Structure: Benzene ring with a methyl group (toluene).
- Chemical notation: 
- **Reaction Process**:
- Toluene is subjected to bromination, introducing a bromine atom into the benzene ring.
- **Final Product**:
- Structure: Benzene ring with a bromine atom at the ortho position relative to a propyl group (substituted greasy chain), suggesting an electrophilic substitution.
- Chemical notation: 
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