Which pair of reactants will directly yield methyl phenyl ether (${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OC}{\mathrm{H}}_3$) by the Williamson ether synthesis?

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the nucleophile: phenoxide ion ${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_5{\mathrm{O}}^{-}$ is a strong nucleophile.
2. Identify the electrophile: methyl iodide $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{I}$ provides a primary carbon attached to a good leaving group (I⁻).
3. In Williamson synthesis, the nucleophile attacks the carbon bearing the leaving group via an $S_{N}2$ mechanism, forming ${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OC}{\mathrm{H}}_3$ and releasing ${\mathrm{I}}^{-}$.
4. The other options either lack a suitable nucleophile or a suitable primary alkyl halide, so they will not give the ether directly.

Concept tested: Williamson ether synthesis

Published 15 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked