Question

The following is nt an appropriate reaction for the preparation of t-butyl ethyl ethers.
`C_(2)H_(5)ONa+CH_(3)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C-CIrarrCH_(3)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C-OC_(2)H_(5)`
(i) What would be the major product of this reaction ?
(ii) Write a suitable reaction for the preparation of tert-butylethyl. ether.

Answer 1

(i) In this case, the alkyl hailde is of tertiary nature. The moleculphile ` C_(2)H_(5)O^(-)` ion will cauuse the elimination of the alkyl halid and the major productis an alkene.

In case tert-butyl ether is to be formed as the prodcut, alkyl halide must be primary and alkoxide must be of tertiary nature
`CH_(3)-underset("Sod. tert-butoxide")underset(CH_(3))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C-ONa+underset("Ethyl chloride")(C_(2)H_(5)CI)rarrCH_(3)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C-OC_(2)H_(5)+NaCI`