Ethers

Ethers are a class of

organic compounds
that contain an oxygen
between two alkyl
groups. They have the
formula R-O-R', with
R's being the alkyl
groups
Ethers are classified in two types :-

1. Simple or symmetrical – if the alkyl or aryl groups

attached to the oxygen atom are the same.

2. Mixed or unsymmetrical – if the two groups are

different
Example of symmetric and unsymmetric ether :-
Some examples of ether with common and IUPAC name

Compound Common name IUPAC name

CH3OCH3 Dimethyl Ether Methoxymethane

Diethyl Ether Ethoxyethane

C2H5OC2H5

C6H5OCH2CH3 Phenetole Ethoxybenzene

C6H5O(CH2)6CH3 Heptyl Phenyl Ether 1- Phenoxyheptane

 Preparation of Ethers
1. By Dehydration of Alcohols
Alcohols undergo dehydration in
the presence of protic acids
[ H2SO4 ,H3PO4]. The
formation of the reaction
product alkene or ether depends
on the condition. For example –
Ethanol is dehydrated once at
443k and other at 413 k
2. Williamson synthesis
It is an important
laboratory . method for the
prepration of . symmetrical and
…unsymmetrical ethers.
In …this method, an alkyl
halide …is allowed to react with
…sodium alkoxide.
Properties of Ethers
1. Physical Properties :-
 Usually ethers are volatile liquids, highly flammable with
low boiling point .
 They are slightly soluble in water but fairly soluble in
organic solvent
 Ether molecule do not show hydrogen bonding with each
other but they show weak hydrogen bonding with water
molecule due to which they are slightly soluble in water.
2. Chemical Properties :-
 Ethers are flammable
Example – diethyl ether has boiling point of 35oC and
therefore it is a flash fire hazard.
 Ethers react slowly with oxygen from air to form the
unstable hydroperoxides and peroxides which present an
explosive hazard

hydroperoxide peroxide
 Ethers make good solvent because they are unreactive
towards acids, base and oxidizing agents