Question -
Answer -
The reaction of Williamson synthesisinvolves SN2 attack of an alkoxide ion on a primary alkyl halide.
But if secondary or tertiary alkyl halides are taken inplace of primary alkyl halides, then elimination would compete oversubstitution. As a result, alkenes would be produced. This is because alkoxidesare nucleophiles as well as strong bases. Hence, they react with alkyl halides,which results in an elimination reaction.
