Question:
Write the reactions of Williamson synthesis of 2-ethoxy-3-methylpentane starting from ethanol and 3-methylpentan-2-ol.
Solution:
In Williamson synthesis, an alkyl halide reacts with an alkoxide ion. Also, it is an SN2 reaction. In the reaction, alkyl halides should be primary having the least steric hindrance. Hence, an alkyl halide is obtained from ethanol and alkoxide ion from 3-methylpentan-2-ol.
