Question:medium

Which of the following compounds cannot be prepared by Williamson's synthesis?

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Williamson synthesis is an SN2 reaction, which fails with a tertiary alkyl halide.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{OCH}_{2}\text{CH}_{3}\)
  • \(\text{CH}_{3}\text{CH}_{2}\text{O CH}_{2}\text{CH}_{3}\)
  • \((\text{CH}_{3})_{3}\text{C-O-CH}_{2}\text{CH}_{3}\)
  • \((\text{CH}_{3})_{3}\text{C-O-C(CH}_{3})_{3}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Break each ether
Split each ether into an alkoxide and an alkyl halide.

Step 2: Apply the rule
The alkyl halide must be primary (or methyl). Option D needs a tertiary halide for either splitting.

Step 3: Result
Elimination dominates, so no ether forms.

Final Answer:
Only the di-tert-butyl ether needs a tertiary halide and so fails. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }(\text{CH}_{3})_{3}\text{C-O-C(CH}_{3})_{3}} \]
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