Discussion Forum



1)

In Williamson synthesis, if tertiary alkyl halide is used then


A) ether is obtained in good yield

B) ether is obtained in poor yield

C) alkene is the only reaction product

D) a mixture of alkene as a major product and ether as a minor product forms.

Answer:

Option C

Explanation:

If a tertiary alkyl halide is used, an alkene is the only reaction product and no ether is formed. For example, the reaction of CH3ONa with (CH3)3C-Br gives exclusively 2-methylpropene.

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It is because alkoxides are not only nucleophiles but strong bases as well. They react with alkyl halides leading to elimination reactions