Chapter 24: Phenols

Summary

• Reagents : Use a base such as Na₂CO₃ to prepare the phenoxide, then add the alkyl halide.
• Since the reaction is S_N2, the halide should be methyl or primary alkyl halides (or tosylates).
• This reaction is the Williamson ether synthesis applied to aromatic alcohols.

QUESTION Is this method suitable for the preparation of diaryl ethers such as Ph-O-Ph ? ANSWER

Related Reactions

• Williamson Ether Synthesis
• Nucleophilic Substitution reactions of Alkyl Halides

© Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry