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: Understanding Reaction Products in Organic Chemistry
---
## Question:
What is the expected *major* product of the following reaction?
## Reaction Scheme:
A cyclohexanol derivative is reacting under acidic conditions (H₃O⁺ and H₂O) to yield one of several possible products.
## Possible Products:
### Compounds:
1. **Compound I**
- Contains a cyclohexane ring with an -OH group attached to one carbon.
2. **Compound II**
- Shows a different position of the -OH group on the cyclohexane ring.
3. **Compound III**
- The cyclohexane ring with yet another position for the -OH group.
4. **Compound IV**
- Another variation where the -OH group is at a different position on the cyclohexane ring.
5. **Compound V**
- Consists of the same cyclohexane ring without an -OH group.
## Options:
- ( ) II
- ( ) IV
- ( ) I
- ( ) V
- ( ) III
---
### Explanation:
When predicting the major product of a reaction, it helps to understand the mechanism by which the reaction proceeds. For this particular reaction under acidic conditions, consider how the protonation and rearrangement would affect the structure and position of the -OH group on the cyclohexane ring.
Evaluate each compound to determine which one is likely to be the major product. Compare the stability of potential intermediates and the likelihood of structural rearrangements.
### Key Points:
- Examine the stereochemistry and regiochemistry.
- Consider resonance stability and carbocation stability.
- Understand that under acidic conditions, shifts and rearrangements are common.
This question is aimed at testing your understanding of reaction mechanisms and your ability to predict the major product given a set of reactants and conditions.
---
### Answer:
**(To be determined upon analysis)**
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