Question

Which of the following statement regarding solubility of ethers in water is true?

• A. Ethers are sparingly soluble in water due to the formation of hydrogen bond with water.
• B. Ethers are highly soluble in water due to the formation of hydrogen bond with water.
• C. Ethers are sparingly soluble in water as they cannot form hydrogen bond with water.
• D. Ethers are highly soluble in water as they are polar in nature.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Ethers are sparingly soluble in water due to the formation of hydrogen bond with water.

Ethers are sparingly soluble in water due to the formation of hydrogen bonds with water. The O atom of ethers can form a hydrogen bond with the H atom of water. However, ethers cannot form a hydrogen bond with themselves. Also, the H atom of ethers cannot form a hydrogen bond with water as the H atom in ethers is not attached to the electronegative O atom.