Williamson Ether Synthesis Why does this reaction not work well for tertiary alkyl halides?  - Note// used primary alkyl halide in experiment.

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Williamson Ether Synthesis

Why does this reaction not work well for tertiary alkyl halides

- Note// used primary alkyl halide in experiment.

Please provide detailed explanation in full sentences.

**Figure 1: Reaction of p-cresol with α-chloroacetic acid**

This diagram illustrates the chemical reaction between p-cresol and α-chloroacetic acid. 

**Reactants:**
- The structure on the left shows p-cresol, represented as a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (OH) and a methyl group (CH₃) at the para position.
- Next to p-cresol is α-chloroacetic acid, depicted with a carboxylic acid group (COOH) and a chlorine atom (Cl) attached to the alpha carbon.

**Reaction Conditions:**
1. First step involves water (H₂O) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).
2. The second step uses water (H₂O) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).

**Products:**
- The primary product on the right is an ether, formed by the attachment of the acetate group from α-chloroacetic acid to the oxygen of the p-cresol, resulting in a para-methoxyacetophenone structure.
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a byproduct of this reaction.

The arrow indicates the progression from reactants to products, facilitated by the specified conditions.
Transcribed Image Text:**Figure 1: Reaction of p-cresol with α-chloroacetic acid** This diagram illustrates the chemical reaction between p-cresol and α-chloroacetic acid. **Reactants:** - The structure on the left shows p-cresol, represented as a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (OH) and a methyl group (CH₃) at the para position. - Next to p-cresol is α-chloroacetic acid, depicted with a carboxylic acid group (COOH) and a chlorine atom (Cl) attached to the alpha carbon. **Reaction Conditions:** 1. First step involves water (H₂O) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). 2. The second step uses water (H₂O) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). **Products:** - The primary product on the right is an ether, formed by the attachment of the acetate group from α-chloroacetic acid to the oxygen of the p-cresol, resulting in a para-methoxyacetophenone structure. - Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a byproduct of this reaction. The arrow indicates the progression from reactants to products, facilitated by the specified conditions.
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