What is Ether?
A molecule with an oxygen atom linked to two alkyl groups is known as ether.
Ethers are colourless liquids with a sweet odour that are liquid at room temperature. Diethyl ether is the most common form of ether, which is highly flammable and was one of the first anaesthetics used in surgery.
Table of Contents
- Preparation of Ethers
- Physical And Chemical Properties Of Ether
- Nomenclature of ethers
- Uses of Ethers
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Preparation of Ethers
Ether is a functional group which is generated when an alkoxy (R–O) or aryloxy (Ar–O) group replaces a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon. They are denoted by the letters R–O–R′. The word ‘Ether’ comes from the Latin word ‘Aether,’ which literally means “pure high, light air.”
Ethers are an extremely light, volatile, and flammable liquids that may be used in a variety of applications. This type of chemical has a distinctly pleasant odour. They occur in the form of a colourless liquid. When compared to alcohol, ethers are less dense, have a lower water solubility, and have lower boiling temperatures.
Preparations of Ethers by Williamson Synthesis
In laboratories, Williamson’s synthesis is an important method for preparing symmetrical and asymmetrical ethers. An alkyl halide is reacted with sodium alkoxide in this technique, resulting in the creation of ether. For primary alcohol, the reaction follows the SN2 mechanism.
Alkoxides, as we know, are strong bases that can react with alkyl halides, resulting in elimination reactions. In the case of primary alkyl halides, Williamson synthesis is more productive. Elimination competes with substitution in secondary alkyl halides, but the generation of elimination products is observed only in tertiary alkyl halides.
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Physical And Chemical Properties Of Ether
Symmetrical ether (when two identical groups are connected to the oxygen atom) and Asymmetrical ether (when two different groups are attached to the oxygen atom) are the two types of ethers (when two different groups are attached to the oxygen atom). Ethers have a diverse set of physical and chemical characteristics.
Physical Properties Of Ether
- A net dipole moment exists in an ether molecule. The polarity of C-O bonds is to blame for this.
- Ethers have a boiling point similar to that of alkanes. However, when compared to alcohols of comparable molecular mass, it is far lower. Despite the polarity of the C-O bond, this is the case.
- The water miscibility of ethers is similar to that of alcohols.
- In water, ether molecules are miscible. This is due to the fact that the oxygen atom of ether, like that of alcohols, may form hydrogen bonds with a water molecule.
Chemical Properties Of Ether
Halogenation of Ethers
When aromatic ethers are exposed to halogen in the presence or absence of a catalyst, they undergo halogenation, such as bromination.
Friedel Crafts Reaction of Ethers
Friedel Crafts reaction, for example, adds an alkyl or acyl group to aromatic ethers when they react with an alkyl or acyl halide in the presence of a Lewis acid as a catalyst.
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Nomenclature of Ethers
The word ether is added to the names of the two alkyl groups linked to oxygen in common ether names. Currently, the alkyl groups are listed in alphabetical order (t-butyl methyl ether), although older names frequently mention the alkyl groups in increasing size order (methyl t-butyl ether). If the term just mentions one alkyl group, it implies two similar groups, as in ethyl ether for diethyl ether.
The IUPAC nomenclature for ethers is based on a different set of rules. A substituent group with more carbon atoms is chosen as the parent hydrocarbon according to IUPAC nomenclature. The prefix “oxy” is used to name the other substituent group linked to the oxygen atom. CH3OC2H5 is known as 1-methoxy ethane, for example.
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Uses of Ethers
- Ethers are chemical substances that are extremely flammable. They’re employed in medicine, laboratories, our daily lives, and a variety of other applications. Let’s take a closer look at how they’re used.
- They’re usually used in surgeries as an anaesthetic. Because ethers are volatile liquids, they release vapours that patients inhale or are given intravenously. They cause individuals to lose consciousness before surgery.
- Antiseptics were also made from ethers. Ether was used to sanitise patients’ wounds and save them from dangerous illnesses during World War II. They are still used as antiseptics.
- Because of their olfactory and organoleptic qualities, ethers are frequently employed in the perfumery and scent business. Fruit-based meals and beverages, sweets, fruit jams, yoghurts, ice cream, chewing gum, and some pharmaceutical treatments all contain them.
Read more: Ether Uses
Frequently Asked Questions on Ether Chemical Compound
Where are ethers used?
Ethers have wide use as commercial solvents and extractants for esters, gums, hydrocarbons, alkaloids, oils, resins, dyes, plastics, lacquers, and paints. They are used as dewaxing extractants for lubricating oils.
Where are ethers found?
Ether bonds are found in a wide variety of natural products mainly secondary metabolites including lipids, oxiranes, terpenoids, flavonoids, polyketides, and carbohydrate derivatives, to name some representative examples.
How do you identify an ether?
The most common way is to identify the alkyl groups on either side of the oxygen atom in alphabetical order, then write “ether.” For example, ethyl methyl ether is the ether that has an ethyl group and a methyl group on either side of the oxygen atom.
Which ether is more polar in nature?
The two lone pairs of electrons are present on oxygen and it has a bent structure. So, carbon-oxygen is polar in nature. The ethers exhibit a lower boiling point comparable to alcohols and phenols due to the absence of hydrogen-bonding.
Are ethers reactive?
Ethers may react violently with strong oxidising agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively unreactive. As a group, ethers are moderately toxic.
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