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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3ap269

Which pair of reactants is best for preparing the ether shown by the Williamson synthesis, so that elimination is minimised?

  1. ASodium methoxide and cyclohexyl bromide
  2. BSodium cyclohexoxide and methyl iodide
  3. CCyclohexyl bromide and methyl bromide
  4. DSodium cyclohexoxide and bromobenzene

Answer: B

The ether is cyclohexyl methyl ether. A secondary halide such as cyclohexyl bromide undergoes E2 elimination with a strong base like methoxide. The methyl halide cannot eliminate, so sodium cyclohexoxide with methyl iodide gives the ether cleanly by .
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