Question

Is an ether soluble in water?

Answer 1

1. Ether $\left(\mathrm{ROR}\text{'}\right)$ is an organic compound in which an $\mathrm{Oxygen}$ $\left(\mathrm{O}\right)$ atom is bonded with two $\mathrm{alkyl}$ groups$\left(\mathrm{R},\mathrm{R}\text{'}\right)$ where $\mathrm{R}\hspace{0.17em}$and $\mathrm{R}\text{'}$can be same or different $\mathrm{alkyl}$ groups. When $\mathrm{R}$ and $\mathrm{R}\text{'}$ is same then it is known as symmetrical ether. When $\mathrm{R}$ and $\mathrm{R}\text{'}$are different then the ether is known as unsymmetrical ether.
2. The length of this $\mathrm{alkyl}$ group determines the solubility of an ether in water. The big $\mathrm{alkyl}$ chain makes an ether insoluble in water.
3. A compound is soluble in water when it has the ability to form hydrogen bonding with water. $\mathrm{Oxygen}$ atom in an ether can form hydrogen bonds with water making the ether of a relatively small $\mathrm{alkyl}$ chain soluble in it. As the length of the $\mathrm{alkyl}$ chain increases it makes the hydrogen bonding formation difficult and hence bigger $\mathrm{alkyl}$ chains are not soluble in water.
4. Generally, an ether having $\mathrm{alkyl}$ group with 2-3 carbon atoms is soluble in water. A chain of 4 $\mathrm{alkyl}$ groups and above makes an ether insoluble in water.
5. For example- Ethyl methyl ether $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3-\mathrm{O}-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)$ is soluble in water and Dibutyl ether ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\right)}_2\mathrm{O}$ is not soluble in water.