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Synthesis of Ethers

Last updated

Jan 23, 2023
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- Reactions of Epoxides
- Alkoxy-mercuration of Alkenes

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There are two primary reactions to generate ethers: either by Dehydration of Alcohols or by the Williamson Synthesis. Acyclic ethers can be prepared using Williamson's synthesis, which involves reacting an alkoxide with a haloalkane. As stated previously, alkoxides are created by reacting an alcohol with metallic sodium or potassium, or a metal hydride, such as sodium hydride (NaH). To minimize steric hindrance and achieve a good yield, the haloalkane must be a primary haloalkane. This is because the mechanism is S_N2, where the oxygen atom does a backside attack on the carbon atom with the halogen atom, causing the halogen atom to leave with its electrons.

Topic hierarchy

Alkoxy-mercuration of Alkenes
Dehydration of Alcohols to Make Ethers
Acid-catalyzed dehydration of small 1º-alcohols constitutes a specialized method of preparing symmetrical ethers.
Ether Synthesis
Making Epoxyethane from Ethene
Williamson Ether Synthesis
The Williamson Ether synthesis is the easiest, and perhaps the fastest, way to create ethers.

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