Question

What is Reaction with Halogen Acids in Ethers?

Answer

The reactivity order of halogen acids for this reaction are HI>H-Br>H-Cl. As size of halide ion increases in the order Cl^- < Br^- I^- and hence, nucleophilicity increases. In case of asymmetrical ethers, the alkyl halide is always formed from the smaller alkyl group. If alkyl group is (3°), halogen gets attached with it. If one R group is phenyl and other is alkyl group, the cleavage of C-O bond produces phenol and alkyl halide.