Williamson Ether Synthesis

The video tutorial explains the concept of ethers, focusing on the Williamson ether synthesis. It covers the mechanism, including the use of sodium hydride to deprotonate alcohols, forming alkoxides that undergo SN2 reactions with alkyl halides. The tutorial discusses steric effects on reaction efficiency and provides examples of forward and reverse synthesis, including intramolecular reactions leading to cyclic ethers.

How can you identify the substrate from a given ether product?

Discuss the mechanism of deprotonation in the Williamson ether synthesis.

What happens during the intramolecular reaction in the context of Williamson ether synthesis?