Part I: Conceptual connection: 1. The Williamson ether synthesis was discovered by Alexander William Williamson is 1850 ; at the time, this type of chemistry was novel and helped bring about the identification of the ether functional group. A typical Williamson ether synthesis occurs between a deprotonated alcohol (an alkoxide ion) and a primary alkyl halide to form an ether. a. Name the type of reaction that a Williamson ether synthesis is. b. Draw out a generic overall reaction (no mechanism necessary) between an alkoxide ion and a primary alkyl halide to form an ether