MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

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 methyl halide) will successfully yield methyl tert-butyl ether, as methyl halides cannot undergo elimination and are highly reactive towards S_N2 substitution. Therefore, reacting sodium tertiarybutoxide and methyl bromide is the suitable method. Answer: Reacting sodium tertiarybutoxide and methyl bromide