Question

How will you convert ethyl bromide into diethyl ether?

Answer 1

To convert ethyl bromide into diethyl ether, the typical laboratory procedure involves a nucleophilic substitution reaction known as the Williamson ether synthesis. which involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa): React ethanol (C₂H₅OH) with sodium metal (Na) to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas:
   \[2\mathrm{C_2H_5OH} + 2 \mathrm{Na} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{C_2H_5ONa} + \mathrm{H_2}\]

2. Ether formation by nucleophilic substitution: React ethyl bromide (C₂H₅Br) with sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa). The ethoxide ion (C₂H₅O⁻) acts as a nucleophile and attacks the ethyl bromide via an SN₂ mechanism, displacing the bromide ion (Br⁻) and forming diethyl ether:
   \[\mathrm{C_2H_5Br} + \mathrm{C_2H_5ONa} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_2H_5OC_2H_5} + \mathrm{NaBr}\]