Question

Which of the following is/are example(s) of unsymmetrical or mixed ether?

• A. $C_6{H}_5-O-C{H}_2-C_6{H}_5$
• B. $C_6{H}_5-O-C_6{H}_5$
• C. $C_6{H}_5-O-C{H}_3$
• D. $C_6{H}_5-O-C{H}_{2}Cl$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

$C_6{H}_5-O-C{H}_{2}Cl$

A symmetrical or simple ether is an ether having same alkyl or aryl groups on either side of -O-
An unsymmetrical or mixed ether is an ether having different alkyl or aryl groups on either side of $-O-$
Option (b) is the only molecule that has the same alkyl (isopropyl) on either side of $-O-$and hence is a symmetrical ether.
a, c and d have different alkyl or aryl groups on either side of $-O-$ thus they are unsymmetrical or mixed ether. Hence correct options are (a),(c) and (d).