Lesson eLearning

Which of the following pairs of reactants will directly give ethyl phenyl ether (C_2H_5OC_6H_5) in a Williamson ether synthesis?

hard MCQ 4 marks Class 12 · Chemistry · Alcohols Phenols and Ethers
  1. A) 1‑phenylethanol and ethyl bromide
  2. B) Phenol and ethyl iodide
  3. C) Aniline and ethyl chloride
  4. D) Phenyl magnesium bromide and ethyl bromide
Answer
B) Phenol and ethyl iodide

The correct answer is B) Phenol and ethyl iodide — 4. Thus the pair phenol and ethyl iodide will give ethyl phenyl ether.

Step-by-step solution

  1. 1. In a Williamson ether synthesis, a nucleophile (alkoxide or phenoxide) attacks an alkyl halide.
  2. 2. Phenol must be deprotonated by a base to give phenoxide.
  3. 3. Ethyl iodide is a good alkyl halide for SN2 attack.
  4. 4. Thus the pair phenol and ethyl iodide will give ethyl phenyl ether.
Common mistake: Assuming a Grignard reagent forms the ether

Concept tested: Williamson ether synthesis

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

← All Alcohols Phenols and Ethers questions