Why is 2-butanone used along with K2CO3 for the reflux step in the Williamson et

Question

Why is 2-butanone used along with K2CO3 for the reflux step in the Williamson ether synthesis of acetaminophen and iodoethane to phenacetin?
Please explain relevance of 2-butanone and K2CO3, not sure what the purpose is of using both. Why is 2-butanone used along with K2CO3 for the reflux step in the Williamson ether synthesis of acetaminophen and iodoethane to phenacetin?
Please explain relevance of 2-butanone and K2CO3, not sure what the purpose is of using both. Why is 2-butanone used along with K2CO3 for the reflux step in the Williamson ether synthesis of acetaminophen and iodoethane to phenacetin?
Please explain relevance of 2-butanone and K2CO3, not sure what the purpose is of using both.

Explanation / Answer

Aprotic solvents like 2-butanone is used to facilitate the SN2 reaction because the polar protic solvents will solvate the nucleophile and hinder the approach of electrophile.
Further, 2-butanone is the precursor to methyl ethyl ketone peroxide which works as a catalyst and helps to speed up the reaction.
Poassium carbonate is used as a base. It can also act as a drying agent and help remove some unwanted impurities.

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