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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers  ·  NEET & JEE

Which ether is formed by Williamson synthesis using sodium ethoxide and methyl bromide?

Answer: Ethyl methyl ether.

  • A Methanol
  • B Dimethyl ether
  • C Ethyl methyl ether
  • D Diethyl ether

Correct answer: C. Ethyl methyl ether

Explanation: Ethoxide ion attacks methyl bromide to form ethyl methyl ether.

Why Phenol Is More Acidic Than an AlcoholO⁻phenoxide ioncharge delocalised into ring (resonance)stabilisedCO⁻alkoxide ion (ethanol)charge stuck on one O, NOT stabilised

The phenoxide ion's negative charge spreads into the aromatic ring through resonance, lowering its energy and making phenol give up its proton more easily; an alkoxide ion (from a plain alcohol) has nowhere to delocalise the charge, making alcohols far less acidic.

Concept context

Oxygen-containing organic compounds. Understand the acidic nature of phenols, reactions of alcohols (dehydration, oxidation, esterification), and properties of ethers. Includes industrial applications and named reactions.

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