Chapter 14.5, Problem 14.32P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The expected product for the given reaction has to be predicted.

Concept Introduction:

Ether are compounds that contain an oxygen atom that is sandwiched between two R groups.  The R groups may be alkyl, vinyl or aryl.

Epoxides are very much susceptible to the reactions in which the ring is opened.  This ring opening alleviates the ring strain that is present in the three-membered ring.  When a strong nucleophile reacts with an epoxide, the ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ reaction mechanism is followed resulting in ring opening.  The general reaction scheme can be given as,

The first step is the attack of nucleophile on the epoxide to form an alkoxide ion by ring opening.  The second step is the ion reacts with water to form the product.  The second step is important to protonate the formed alkoxide.