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Question:

Write the equations involved in the following reactions: (i) Reimer-Tiemann reaction (ii) Williamson ether synthesis

Solution:

(i) Reimer-Tiemann reaction:

This reaction involves the conversion of a phenol to an aldehyde using chloroform in the presence of a base. The mechanism involves the formation of a dichlorocarbene intermediate, which attacks the phenol ring. The resulting adduct is then hydrolyzed to yield the salicylaldehyde.

Equation:

[Image of Reimer-Tiemann Reaction Mechanism would be included here. This is a complex multi-step reaction and cannot be effectively represented with a single concise equation. A detailed mechanism with all intermediates is required for a complete explanation.]

(ii) Williamson ether synthesis:

This reaction involves the synthesis of an ether from an alkyl halide and an alkoxide ion. The alkoxide ion acts as a nucleophile and attacks the alkyl halide, displacing the halide ion.

Equation:

RO⁻ + R'X → ROR' + X⁻

Where:

  • R and R' are alkyl groups
  • X is a halide ion (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)