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.
![**Question: Identify the major product.**
The reactant is a dibromoalkane:
1. Reacts with excess NaNH₂ (sodium amide)
2. Followed by treatment with H₂O (water)
**Options:**
- Option A: An alkane structure with no substituents
- Option B: An alkane with two amino groups (-NH₂) attached
- Option C: A structure with a triple bond (alkyne)
- Option D: The correct answer, marked with a filled circle — an alkyne with the triple bond at the carbon chain.
**Explanation:**
The reaction involves a dehydrohalogenation process where sodium amide removes the leaving groups (bromine atoms) resulting in the formation of an alkyne. The generated alkyne upon hydrolysis with water remains stable, highlighting a classic example of elimination reactions leading to the formation of multiple bonds.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fe2cc25c0-e9ff-48be-a0df-5f141951a1aa%2Fe6c24248-8d4a-45f9-9230-e687f8201d41%2Firvglo_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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