Question

Consider the following reaction $R{O}^{-}N{a}^{+}{R}^{\prime }X\to R-O-R^{\prime }+NaX$. Which of the following statements is not correct?

• A. The reaction is called Williamson's synthesis.
• B. It is a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
• C. The reaction is applicable to all types of alkyl halides.
• D. The reaction proceeds through $S_{N}2$ mechanism.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The reaction is applicable to all types of alkyl halides.

$R-O-Na+R{-}^{\prime }X\to R-O-R^{\prime }+NaX$

(A), (B) and (D) options are clearly correct.

However (C) is not correct.

Alkoxides are good bases and equally good nucleophiles. In case of $3^o$ and $2^o$ alkyl halides, there give $E_2$ product(i.e., alkenes).

Option C is correct.