A Williamson ether synthesis consists of two separate reactions: the preparation of an alkoxide, and the reaction of this reagent with the alkyl halide. The Williamson reaction is of broad scope, is widely used in both laboratory and industrial synthesis, and remains the simplest and most popular method of preparing ethers. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical ethers are easily prepared. The intramolecular reaction of halohydrins in particular, gives epoxides.
