ether synthesis is a reaction that converts alcohols (R-OH)
into ethers (R-O-R). The first step in this reaction is forming
the conjugate base of the alcohol (called an alcoxide) by
reacting the alcohol with sodium metal. This reaction forms
hydrogen gas (H2) as a biproduct, so if you perform
this reaction take caution to keep all flame sources away
during sodium addition.
can then be added to a suitable alkyl halide (typically a
primary halide) to form the ether via an SN2
of the Williamson ether synthesis to make diethyl ether.