NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Why are alkoxides capable of promoting elimination reactions in addition to substitution reactions in the Williamson ether synthesis?
Options
- AAlkoxides are neutral molecules
- BAlkoxides are strong nucleophiles
- CAlkoxides are strong bases
- DAlkoxides are weak nucleophiles
Correct answer
C. Alkoxides are strong bases
Step-by-step solution
Alkoxides are not only nucleophiles but also strong bases. This makes them capable of promoting elimination reactions in addition to substitution reactions in the Williamson ether synthesis.