Williamson ether synthesis

Definition

Williamson ether synthesis is a method used in organic chemistry to form ethers by reacting an alkoxide ion with a primary alkyl halide under basic conditions. This reaction involves nucleophilic substitution of the halide leading to the formation of an ether.

Related terms

Alkoxide Ion:

An alkoxide ion is formed when an alcohol loses a hydrogen atom from its hydroxyl group, becoming negatively charged and highly reactive in nucleophilic substitutions.

Nucleophilic Substitution:

A chemical process wherein a nucleophile forms a bond with a carbon atom, displacing another group previously attached to the carbon.

Alkyl Halide:

An organic compound containing at least one halogen atom attached to its alkane-like carbon structure, often used as a reactant in various organic syntheses including ether formation