MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #158

A student is attempting to synthesize a compound that requires the reaction of ethanol with an alkyl halide. Which reagent is primarily responsible for the formation of the ether?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #158

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student is attempting to synthesize a compound that requires the reaction of ethanol with an alkyl halide. Which reagent is primarily responsible for the formation of the ether?

    • A) Boron trifluoride as a Lewis acid catalyst
    • B) N,N-Dimethylaminopyridine as a nucleophilic catalyst
    • C) Sodium hydroxide as a base catalyst
    • D) Mercuric acetate as a catalyst

    Answer: Sodium hydroxide as a base catalyst

    Explanation: Sodium hydroxide acts as a base catalyst in the reaction of ethanol with an alkyl halide to form an ether. The other options describe different catalysts or reagents that do not apply here.