Statement I: Phenols cannot be used as substrates (the halide component) in Williamson's ether synth — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Williamson synthesis requires a nucleophile to displace a halogen via $S_N2$. Aryl halides (derived theoretically to react with alkoxides) resist $S_NAr$ because the $C-X$ bond has partial double bond character. Similarly, phenol's $C-O$ bond is too strong to be cleaved by nucleophiles. Thus, the aromatic part must act as the nucleophile (phenoxide), not the substrate.