Question

Which one is formed when sodium phenoxide is heated with ethyl iodide?

• A. Phenetole
• B. Ethyl phenyl alcohol
• C. Phenol
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which compound is formed when sodium phenoxide is heated with ethyl iodide, we need to understand the chemical reaction that occurs in the presence of these reagents.

Sodium phenoxide (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{ONa}) is the sodium salt of phenol and acts as a nucleophile. When sodium phenoxide is heated with ethyl iodide (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{I}), an ether formation reaction occurs, which is a type of Williamson Ether Synthesis. This synthesis involves the reaction of an alkoxide ion with a primary alkyl halide.

The reaction can be represented as:

\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{ONa} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{I} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OC}_2\text{H}_5 + \text{NaI}

In this reaction, the ethyl iodide acts as the alkyl halide, where the iodine atom is replaced by the ethoxy group, resulting in the formation of phenetole (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OC}_2\text{H}_5).

Therefore, the correct product formed is phenetole, which is an ether.

Let's analyze the given options:

• Phenetole: Correct, as this is the expected product of the reaction.
• Ethyl phenyl alcohol: Incorrect, as this compound doesn't form under these conditions.
• Phenol: Incorrect, since sodium phenoxide would not revert back to phenol in this reaction.
• None of the above: Incorrect, since phenetole is indeed formed.

In summary, when sodium phenoxide is heated with ethyl iodide, phenetole is formed through Williamson Ether Synthesis.