An inquiry-based experiment for the organic chemistry laboratory was developed to provide students with a cognitively rich research experience. Student teams were charged with optimizing the reaction conditions for the Williamson ether synthesis of 2- fluorophenetole from 2-fluorophenol, ethyl bromide, and potassium carbonate in either absolute ethanol or acetonitrile. Microwave acceleration of this S[subscript N]2 reaction followed by rapid GC-MS analysis allowed students to review results, revise experimental conditions, and repeat the modified reaction and its analysis within a 3 h laboratory period. Variables that could be manipulated were reagent equivalencies, solvents and their volume, microwave reaction time, temperature, and wattage. Post-laboratory, all team data were available to the entire class for additional evaluation and each student was required to suggest new conditions for improvement in his/her laboratory report.