Discuss the Williamson's synthesis for the preparation of ethers.
Williamson's important method laboratory method for the preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers. In this method, an alkyl halide is allowed to react with sodium alkoxide.
R-x +R-O-Na ---> R-O-R' +NaX
What happens when primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols are treated with copper powder at 573 K?