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.
Here are two short synthesis problems.show all the steps, intermediates, and include all reagents, catalysts and solvents.
![### Organic Chemistry Synthesis Problem
**Objective:**
Starting with acetylene (ethyne) and an alkyl halide of your choice, propose a synthesis to make:
(a) Pentanal
(b) Hexane
**Molecular Structure Provided:**
- **Pentanal**: The image depicts the molecular structure of pentanal. It shows a linear carbon chain consisting of five carbon atoms. The carbon chain includes a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end, indicating it is an aldehyde. The carbonyl carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom (H), which is characteristic of aldehydes.
**Instructions:**
Utilize acetylene and select an appropriate alkyl halide to devise a synthesis pathway for both pentanal and hexane. Consider standard organic synthesis techniques such as carbon chain extension, functional group transformation, and appropriate reagents to achieve the desired products.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F6f22f5b0-3273-437a-a4fa-768b1cf4be0c%2F219b28b4-436e-4be5-a2d0-e8180c7a8320%2Fa97xdlm_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
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