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In a Williamson ether synthesis, which of the following pairs of reactants will directly give ethyl phenyl ether ()?

hard MCQ 3 marks Class 12 · Chemistry · Alcohols Phenols and Ethers
  1. Option 1 – and
  2. Option 2 – and
  3. Option 3 – and
  4. Option 4 – and
Answer
Option 1 – and

The correct answer is Option 1 – and — Step 5: Conclude that option 1 is the correct pair.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1: Recognise that in Williamson synthesis an alkoxide ion reacts with a primary alkyl halide via SN2.
  2. Step 2: Ethyl phenyl ether requires a phenoxide nucleophile and an ethyl halide electrophile.
  3. Step 3: Among the options, only option 1 contains (phenoxide) and (primary alkyl halide).
  4. Step 4: Phenyl halides (like ) are poor electrophiles for SN2; thus options 2, 3 and 4 cannot give the ether.
  5. Step 5: Conclude that option 1 is the correct pair.
Common mistake: Assuming phenyl halides undergo SN2 to give ethers

Concept tested: Williamson ether synthesis – choice of reactants

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