Question

Aliphatic ethers are purified by shaking with a solution of ferrous salt to remove _________ which are formed on prolonged standing in contact with water.

• A. aromatic ethers
• B. aliphatic alcohols
• C. peroxides
• D. aldehydes

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

peroxides

Aliphatic ethers are purified by shaking with a solution of ferrous salt to remove Peroxides which are formed on prolonged standing in contact with water. The peroxides are highly explosive even in low concentration. Hence, ether is always purified before distillation. Ferrous salts reduce peroxides to alcohols. Peroxides can also be removed by distillation with conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$ which oxidizes peroxides.