Identify the product of the reaction between ${\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{Br}$ and ${\text{NaOCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_3$.

Solution

1. The reaction between a primary alkyl halide and a sodium alkoxide is a Williamson ether synthesis.
2. The ethoxide ion ${\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2{\text{O}}^{-}$ acts as a nucleophile and attacks the ethyl bromide via an ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ mechanism.
3. The product formed is diethyl ether.
4. Hence the answer is (A).