Ether O
Definition
Organic compounds which contain
divalent functional group – O – are called ether.
General
Formula
They are denoted by ROR where R may
be any alkyl group. The alkyl groups of ether may be similar or different. The
general formula of ether is
CnH2n+1 – O – CnH2n+1
Where n may be any natural number.
Examples
1. CH3-O-CH3 (DiMethyl Ether)
2. CH3-O-C2H5 (Ethyl Methyl Ether)
Preparation
Ether can be prepared by the
following methods.
1. From Ethyl Alcohol
William son prepared diethyl ether
from alcohol by using sodium metal or sulphuric acid therefore this method is
also William son synthesis.
2. From Ethyl Chloride
When ethyl chloride is heated with
dry silver oxide then diethyl ether is formed.
2C2H5Cl + Ag2O —-> C2H5 – O – C2H5
+ AgCl
Chemical Properties
Reactivity
Due to greater stability diethyl
ether is relatively unreative. When diethyl ether reacts with strong acid such
as hydrogen iodide then oxonium ion is formed, which reacts with strong
nucleophile and convert into ethyl alcohol and ethyl iodide.
C2H5-O-C2H5 + HI —-> C2H5-OH-C2H5
+ I
C2H5-OH-C2H5 + I —-> C2H5-OH +
C2H5I
Uses of Ether
1. Ether is used as solvent.
2. It is used as general anaesthetic.
3. Ether is used in the manufacture
of smokeless powder.
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