Question

Williamson synthesis is an example of:

• A. Nucleophilic addition reaction
• B. Electrophilic substitution reaction
• C. Nucleophilic substitution reaction
• D. Electrophilic addition reaction

Hint:

Williamson synthesis: Alkoxide (nucleophile) + Alkyl halide ? Ether. Always use primary alkyl halide to avoid elimination.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall Williamson synthesis.
Williamson synthesis prepares ethers by reacting a sodium alkoxide ($RO^-Na^+$) with an alkyl halide ($R'X$) to give $R-O-R' + NaX$.
Step 2: Identify the attacking species.
The alkoxide ion $RO^-$ is electron-rich and acts as the nucleophile. The alkyl halide carbon bearing the halogen is electron-deficient and is the electrophilic centre.
Step 3: Mechanism type.
The nucleophile ($RO^-$) attacks the electrophilic carbon, displacing the halide ion as the leaving group. This is a substitution reaction initiated by a nucleophile, following an $S_N2$ pathway.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Williamson synthesis is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
\[ \boxed{\text{Nucleophilic substitution reaction}} \]