What is Williamson’s etherification reaction? Write its examples and uses.

Ans: When haloalkane is treated with sodium alkoxide, ether is formed and this reaction is called Williamson’s etherification reaction.

R-X + R’ONa            =      R-O-R’ +NaX

Example

CH₃CH₂Cl + CH₃CH₂ONa     =     CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃ + NaCl

Chloroethane   + sodium ethoxide     =       ethoxy ethane      +   sodium chloride

 The uses of this reaction is that it is one of the best method to prepare both symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers.