Question

Convert Bromomethane into methoxyethane.

Hint:

In Williamson's synthesis, always use the less sterically hindered alkyl halide (preferably methyl or primary) to avoid elimination as a side reaction.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The formation of an unsymmetrical ether from an alkyl halide and a sodium alkoxide is known as Williamson's synthesis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To prepare methoxyethane (\(CH_3-O-C_2H_5\)) from bromomethane (\(CH_3Br\)), we react the halide with sodium ethoxide (\(NaOC_2H_5\)).
The alkoxide ion acts as a nucleophile and attacks the methyl halide via an \(S_N2\) mechanism.
Reaction:
\[ CH_3Br + NaOC_2H_5 \rightarrow CH_3-O-C_2H_5 + NaBr \]
Step 3: Final Answer:
Bromomethane is heated with sodium ethoxide to produce methoxyethane.