The organic compounds which contain Oxygen attached to two alkyl or aryl groups are called Ethers.
The general formula of Ethers is where and are alkyl or aryl groups.
Examples include Ethoxy ethane (Diethyl ether), Methyl propyl ether, etc
Classification of ethers:-
Based on the type of the alkyl or aryl groups attached to the oxygen atom, Ethers are of two types: (1) Symmetrical Ethers and (2) Unsymmetrical Ethers
Symmetrical Ethers:The two alkyl or aryl groups attached to Oxygen atoms are the same, it is called symmetrical ethers.
Examples are Diethyl ether, Dimethyl ether, etc.
Unsymmetrical Ether:If the two alky or aryl groups attached are different, then it is called unsymmetrical ether.
Examples include methyl propyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, etc.