Jenny Yao

Organic Functional Groups: Ethers

 two alcohol molecules react together to form an ether – the general formula is: R-O-R'
 the other product of the reaction is water, which is taken up afterwards by a dehydration agent

polyethylene glycol diethyl ether anisole

 perfume
 pharmaceuticals
 insect pheromones
 laxative  anesthetic
 lubricants  recreational drug
 film coatings  diesel fuel

Nomenclature:

Type Instructions Example

simple ether  If both groups are simple alkyl compounds, then the ether can be named ethyl methyl ether:
as (alkyl alkyl) ether, with alkyl groups listed in alphabetical order. CH3CH2OCH3
 If the two alkyl groups are the same, then it's a di(alkyl) ether.

intermediate ether  If one of the groups is more complex, then the ether group is treated as 1-methoxypropane:
an (alkyl)oxy, i.e. R-O-, substituent of the entire chemical. CH3CH2CH2OCH3
 The more complex group (e.g. longer chain) defines the root.

complex ether  If both groups are complex, then the ether can be named using -oxa. 2-oxapentane2-
2-oxapentane: CH3OCH2CH2CH3

Chemical Properties Physical Properties

Fact: Ethers are slightly polar. Fact: Ethers have relatively low boiling points.

Explanation: The C-O-C bond angle in the functional group is Explanation: Because ether molecules cannot engage in hydrog
~110°. However, the C-O dipoles do not cancel out. Ethers bonding with each other, they have much lower boiling points th
possess a net dipole, even if the 2 C-O bonds are symmetrical. similar alcohols with approximately the same molecular weights

Fact: Ethers can have hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Explanation: There are two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen
atoms, which means that they can form hydrogen bonds with other
molecules (alcohols, amines, etc.) that have O−H or N−H bonds.
Fact: Ethers are good solvents for a wide variety of organic and
inorganic compounds.
Explanation: Without the strongly polarized O−H bond, ether
molecules cannot engage in hydrogen bonding with each other. T
are therefore useful for forming H-bonds with other compounds.

Fact: Ethers are essentially inert to chemical reactions. Fact: The solubility of ethers in H2O is alike with that of alcoho

Explanation: An ether cannot form hydrogen bonds with other
ether molecules since there is no H to be donated. In addition,
because of the lack of an –OH group, they don't react with most
oxidizing or reducing agents. Not to mention, ethers are stable to
most acids and bases, except at high temperatures.
Explanation: Ethers form hydrogen bonds with water in the sam
way as alcohols do with water. Also, the solubility in water decr
with bigger sizes of alkyl groups – due to general rules of solubi
General: Most ethers are colorless, pleasant-smelling, volatile li
It serves as Lewis bases and Bronsted bases. Ethers are highly
flammable, so they constitute as a significant fire hazard.

Pictures: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ether