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.
![**Title: Synthesis Reactions: Identifying Starting Materials for Given Reagents and Products**
**Objective:**
To determine suitable starting materials for the chemical reactions that yield the provided products using specified reagents.
**Reaction 1:**
- **Reagent:** LDA (Lithium Diisopropylamide)
- **Product:** The compound has a phenyl group (benzene ring) attached to a butene chain (four-carbon chain with a double bond).
**Explanation:**
- LDA is a strong, non-nucleophilic base commonly used to deprotonate carbon atoms adjacent to carbonyl groups, generating enolates.
**Reaction 2:**
- **Reagent:** Acetylide ion (C≡C^-H)
- **Product:** The compound is a hydrocarbon with a three-carbon chain containing a triple bond (alkyne) and a remaining ethyl group.
**Explanation:**
- Acetylide ions are used to add carbon-carbon bonds, particularly in the synthesis of alkynes.
**Diagrams:**
- **Chemical Structures:**
- The first product features a benzene ring attached to a carbon chain with a double bond on the third carbon.
- The second product is a linear alkyne with three carbon atoms starting with an ethyl group followed by a triple bond.
**Conclusion:**
To synthesize the given products:
- For the first reaction, consider starting with a carbonyl compound where the carbon adjacent to the group can form the intended enolate.
- For the second reaction, think of using a halide or similar compound that can react with the acetylide ion to form the alkyne product.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F12642ddc-0baa-4782-abc5-60ff8a4ca3b1%2Fd0f08de3-5ba4-45d0-a670-6f1fde043259%2Fsbza3v_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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