Which of the following statements about the $Williamson$ ether synthesis is correct regarding the preparation of unsymmetrical ethers?

• A. Only symmetrical ethers can be formed by the $Williamson$ ether synthesis.
• B. The $Williamson$ ether synthesis is only suitable for preparing aromatic ethers.
• C. Unsymmetrical ethers can be prepared by reacting a primary alkyl halide with an alkoxide ion derived from a different alcohol.
• D. Unsymmetrical ethers cannot be synthesized using the $Williamson$ ether synthesis.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Williamson ether synthesis involves the reaction of an alkoxide ion (RO\textsuperscript{-}) with an alkyl halide (R'X) to form an ether (ROR').
2. Understand that the alkoxide ion is typically prepared by deprotonating an alcohol (ROH) with a strong base, generating a nucleophile.
3. Recognize that the alkyl halide acts as the electrophile, and the reaction proceeds via an S\textsubscript{N}2 mechanism, favoring primary alkyl halides to avoid elimination or rearrangement.
4. Note that unsymmetrical ethers can be synthesized by choosing different alkoxide ions and alkyl halides, for example, reacting a primary alkyl halide with an alkoxide derived from a different alcohol.
5. Conclude that the Williamson ether synthesis is versatile and not limited to symmetrical ethers or aromatic ethers; it is especially effective for preparing unsymmetrical ethers when the alkyl halide is primary.