Question
The following is not an appropriate reaction for the preparation of t-butyl ethyl ether.
(i) What would be the major product of this reaction?
(ii) Write a suitable reaction for the preparation of t-butyl ethyl ether.
Solution
(i) The major product of the given reaction is 2-methylprop-1 -ene. It is because sodium ethoxide is a strong nucleophile as well as a strong base. Thus elimination reaction predominates over substitution.
Phenols are also converted to ethers by this method. In this, phenol is used as the phenoxide moiety.
Phenols are also converted to ethers by this method. In this, phenol is used as the phenoxide moiety.
