Williamson Ether Synthesis

C2H5ONa + CH3I → C2H5OCH3 + NaI

Übersicht

Sodium ethoxide (an alkoxide) reacts with methyl iodide in an SN2 reaction to form ethyl methyl ether. This is the most general and reliable method for synthesizing asymmetric ethers. The alkoxide acts as the nucleophile, and a primary alkyl halide provides the best yields.

Alltägliches Beispiel

MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), once the most widely used gasoline additive, was produced by a variation of ether synthesis.

Industrielle Bedeutung

Williamson synthesis is used to produce anisole, crown ethers, polyethylene glycol derivatives, and pharmaceutical ether linkages.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Organic
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-90,0 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA) Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Dehydration of Ethanol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Williamson Ether Synthesis?
The balanced equation is: C₂H₅ONa + CH₃I → C₂H₅OCH₃ + NaI.
What type of reaction is Williamson Ether Synthesis?
Williamson Ether Synthesis is a organic reaction.
Is Williamson Ether Synthesis exothermic or endothermic?
Williamson Ether Synthesis is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -90.0 kJ/mol.