Ethers have the formula R-O-R or R-O-R’ where R’ is different from R

It is an organic compound with two alkyl groups (the same or different) attached to an oxygen atom

Remember R is just a carbon chain

These can be considered organic derivatives of water in which both hydrogens are replaced by organic groups

Ethers:

• Derivatives of water
• Both hydrogen atoms are replaced

Naming

• Symmetrical

• Name groups attached and add ether

• For example

  • Ethyl Methyl Ether

Properties

• Quite inert
• React violently in air
• Low boiling points - no hydrogen bonds

TEXTBOOK READINGS Pg. 45-48

Properties

Since ethers do not contain any OH groups, they cannot form hydrogen bonds to themselves, as alcohols can. However, their polar CO bonds and the V-shape of the COC group do make ether molecules more polar than hydrocarbons. → the IMF’s between ether molecules are stronger than those in hydrocarbons, and weaker than those in alcohols