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.
This question is from a study guide for an upcoming exam. If you can please go through the stereochemistry of the question and help me understand the breakdown of the reaction id really appreciate it.
![### Reaction Description:
**Question**: What is the major organic product of the following reaction? Show the stereochemistry of the final product.
**Reaction Scheme**:
- **Reactants**:
- Sodium acetylide (\[Na^+\] \[−C≡C−\])
- Alkyl bromide (shown as a linear chain with Br at one end)
- **Conditions**:
- Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent
- Temperature: \(0^\circ C\)
**Possible Products**:
1. Alkyne structure (Propyl chain with one triple bond extending towards the end)
2. Linear alkyne structure (Propyl chain with added ethyl group maintaining triple bond)
3. Branched alkyne structures (depicting various isomers).
### Explanation of Graphs and Diagrams:
The diagram illustrates potential reaction pathways where sodium acetylide acts as a nucleophile attacking the alkyl bromide via an S\(_N\)2 mechanism, leading to the formation of an extended carbon chain. The major product involves elongating the alkyne with the added ethyl group, maintaining the stereochemistry with minimal branching.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F44c34136-e117-491b-b58f-d0d94a4d60dd%2Ff3b1110e-e406-4779-8c2b-5db493742638%2Fsob0oqo_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
In this reaction alkoxide ion is nucleophile while alkyl halide is electrophile so they will react with each other and
alkoxide Ion will attack on alkyl halide because electron flow from high electron density to low electron density
Correct options is B
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