Chapter 9.6, Problem 9P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The two different routes for the synthesis of given acyclic ether X are to be stated and the preferred route is to be predicted.

Concept introduction: Alcohols, and ethers are the functional groups that involve $\text{C}-\text{O}$, $\text{σ}$ bonds. They are the most common organic products of nucleophilic substitution reaction. They are prepared from alkyl halides and strong nucleophiles. The reaction proceeds through ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ mechanism. The highest yields of products are obtained from less sterically hindered primary alkyl halides. Synthesis of ethers from this route is known as Williamson ether synthesis.