Williamson ether synthesis
Quick Summary
The Williamson ether synthesis is a chemical method for creating ethers. It involves the reaction between a sodium alkoxide and a halogen derivative of a hydrocarbon, such as an alkyl halide. This process substitutes an alkoxy group for the halide.12
This synthesis was devised by English chemist Alexander Williamson in the 19th century. His research clarified the structure of organic molecules, particularly alcohols and ethers. The Williamson synthesis is most effective when the alkyl halide is unhindered, typically a primary one, to avoid competing elimination reactions.32
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