Select the appropriate reagent for the synthesis of tert-Butyl ethyl ether
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Ethy Ibromide and sodium tert-butoxide.
To synthesize tert-butyl ethyl ether, we need to use the Williamson ether synthesis:
$R-X + R'-O^- \rightarrow R-O-R' + X^-$
- To avoid elimination, the alkyl halide should be primary (or methyl), and the alkoxide can be bulky.
- tert-Butyl bromide is tertiary, prone to elimination if used as the halide.
- Use primary halide (ethyl bromide) and tert-butoxide ion to get tert-butyl ethyl ether.
Correct combination: Ethyl bromide + sodium tert-butoxide