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Write the mechanism of reaction of ethers with hydrogen halides. |
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Answer» Solution :`to` The reaction of ether with HI STARTS with the protonation of ether molecule. Step-1 :  `to` The reaction takes place with HBr or HI because these reagents are sufficiently acidic. Step-2: `to` Iodide is a good nucleophile. It attacks the least substituted carbon of the oxonium ion formed in step-1 and displaces an alcohol molecule by `S_(N)2` mechanism. Thus in the cleavage of mixed ethers with two different alkyl groups, the alcohol and alkyl iodide formed, depend on the nature of alkyl groups. When PRIMARY or SECONDARY alkyl groups are present, it is lower alkyl group that FORMS alkyl iodide (`S_(N)2` reaction).  `to` When HI is in excess and the reaction is carried out at high temperature, ethanol reacts with another molecule of HI and is CONVERTED to ethyl iodide. Step-3 : 
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