Williamson synthesis is used to prepare

Options

A. Alcohols
B. Ethers
C. Ketones
D. Aldehydes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Williamson Synthesis**:
- Williamson synthesis is a method used in organic chemistry to prepare ethers. It involves the reaction of an alkoxide ion with an alkyl halide.

2. **Identifying the Reaction Type**:
- The reaction mechanism of Williamson synthesis is an SN2 (bimolecular nucleophilic substitution) reaction. This means that the nucleophile (alkoxide ion) attacks the electrophile (alkyl halide) in a single concerted step.

3. **Choosing the Right Alkyl Halide**:
- For the Williamson synthesis to be effective, it is best to use primary (1°) or methyl alkyl halides. This is because they have less steric hindrance, which allows for easier nucleophilic attack.

4. **Mechanism of the Reaction**:
- The alkoxide ion (R-O⁻) acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon of the alkyl halide (R'-X), leading to the formation of an ether (R-O-R') and a byproduct (NaX).

5. **Example of Williamson Synthesis**:
- For instance, if we take sodium methoxide (CH3O⁻Na⁺) and react it with bromoethane (CH3CH2Br), the reaction will yield ethyl methyl ether (CH3OCH2CH3) and sodium bromide (NaBr) as a byproduct.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above steps, we conclude that Williamson synthesis is specifically used to prepare ethers.

7. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct option is **ethers**.

---