MHT CET202611 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Which from following is a suitable method for preparation of ether?
Options
- AReacting sodium methoxide and tertiary butyl bromide
- BReacting sodium tertiarybutoxide and methyl bromide
- CReacting methyl alcohol and ethene
- DReacting methyl alcohol and methyl bromide
Correct answer
B. Reacting sodium tertiarybutoxide and methyl bromide
Step-by-step solution
Williamson ether synthesis is an S_N2 reaction between an alkoxide ion and an alkyl halide. For the successful preparation of an ether, the alkyl halide must be primary or methyl, as secondary and tertiary alkyl halides tend to undergo elimination reactions in the presence of strong bases (alkoxides) to form alkenes. Reacting sodium methoxide with tertiary butyl bromide (a 3^ alkyl halide) will predominantly yield isobutylene (an alkene) due to elimination. Reacting sodium tertiarybutoxide with methyl bromide (a me