Can William ether synthesis be done with secondary halides?

[510586]

Is this possible? Or just very low yield and doesn't really happen?

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[tyjacobs]

In the williamson ether synthesis, the alkoxide is the nucleophile here. An alkoxide is a strong base. When a strong base reacts with a secondary alkyl halide, you will see a mixture of Sn2 and E2. However, E2 is favored. So you probably see the ether product in low quantities.

 

[510586]

In the williamson ether synthesis, the alkoxide is the nucleophile here. An alkoxide is a strong base. When a strong base reacts with a secondary alkyl halide, you will see a mixture of Sn2 and E2. However, E2 is favored. So you probably see the ether product in low quantities.

So technically it can be secondary but prefers primary?