Reactions Involving Ethers

What is an important reaction involving ethers?

1. Williamson ether synthesis
   • The first step of the Williamson Ether Synthesis is the reaction of a metal with an alcohol to form an alkoxide ion plus hydrogen gas
   • The alkoxide ion in turn is a powerful nucleophile which reacts in an $S_{N}2$ fashion
     

     Figure 48.5: Williamson ether synthesis.