Question

Is ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{OCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3$ Soluble In Water?

Answer 1

The chemical name of the compound ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{OCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3$ is diethyl ether and there are two carbon atoms present in the alkyl group of ether.

1. Ethers are non-polar compounds because of the presence of alkyl groups on both sides of their central oxygen atom.
2. If the alkyl group bonded to the oxygen atom is heavy, the oxygen atom is unable to participate in hydrogen bonding and thus the boiling point is comparatively lower than that of alcohols.
3. The solubility of an ether depends on the number of carbon atoms present in its alkyl groups.
4. The solubility of ether decreases with an increase in the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.
5. To be more specific, ethers containing three carbon atoms have a tendency to dissolve in water due to the low steric hindrance and effective hydrogen bonding.

Therefore according to the solubility condition of ether, ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{OCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3$ is soluble in water.