Which of the following reaction pathways represents the correct and highest-yielding Williamson synt — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Williamson ether synthesis proceeds via an $S_N2$ mechanism. To avoid steric hindrance and competing $E2$ elimination, the alkyl halide must be primary (unhindered). Therefore, using the unhindered methyl bromide with the bulky sodium tert-butoxide nucleophile efficiently yields the ether. Using tert-butyl bromide (a $3^\circ$ halide) would result exclusively in elimination to form an alkene (isobutylene).