Question

Ethers are generally non-reactive compounds. One of the important reactions of Ethers is the action of HI.

Anislole \(\overset{HI}{\longrightarrow}\) A+B

ldentify A& B. Explain the reaction.

Answer 1

Alkyl aryl ethers on reaction with Hl are cleaved at the alkyl – oxygen bond. Cleavage does not occur at the aryl – oxygen bond. This is due to the fact that the aryl – oxygen bond has high stability caused by resonance. This reaction yields phenol and the corresponding alkyl iodide.