--%>

What are Ethers and its types?

Ethers are the compounds with general formula or CnH2n+2O (same as monohydric alcohols). These are symbolized through a general structure. R-O-R'. They may be regarded as dialkyl derivatives of water or mono alkyl derivatives of alcohols.
                          
1476_ethers.png 

They are also considered as anhydrides of alcohols because they can be obtained by the elimination of water molecule from two alcohol molecules.
                        
1507_ethers1.png 

The groups R and R' in ether may either be same or different. In case these groups are same, the compounds are known as simple ethers or symmetrical ethers. On the other hand, if R and R' groups are different, the compounds are called mixed ether or unsymmetrical ethers.
                     
C2H5-O-C2H5      Simple ether
                     
C2H5-O-CH3         Mixed ether


Ethers may also be classified into two categories as aliphatic ethers and aromatic ethers. In aliphatic ethers, the groups R and R' are both alkyl groups whereas in aromatic ethers, one or both R and R' groups are aryl groups. Ether with one alkyl and one aryl groups are also called aryl alkyl ethers or phenolic ethers whereas ethers with both aryl groups are called diaryl ethers. Few examples are taken below:

775_ethers2.png

   Related Questions in Chemistry

  • Q : What are aliphatic amines and its

    In common system, the aliphatic amines are named by using prefix for alkyl group followed by the word amine.In case of mixed amines, the name of alkyl groups are arranged in alphabetical order. This is followed by the word amine. However, for simple secondary or tertiary amines anothe

  • Q : Relative reactivity Which is more

    Which is more reactive towards nucleophilic substitution aryl halide or vinyl halides

  • Q : What are haloalkanes and haloarenes and

    Alkyl halides or haloalkanes are the compounds in which a halogen is bonded to an alkyl group. They have the general formula RX (where R is alkyl grou

  • Q : Reducible Representations The number of

    The number of times each irreducible representation occurs in a reducible representation can be calculated.Consider the C2v point group as described or Appendix C. you can see that (1) sum of

  • Q : What is heat capacity and how to

    The temperature reliance of internal energy and enthalpy depends on the heat capacities at constant volume and constant pressure. The internal energy and enthalpy of chemical systems and the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions depend on the

  • Q : Describe properties of carboxylic acids.

    1. Physical state: the first three aliphatic acids are colourless liquids with pungent smell. The next six are oily liquids with an odour of rancid butter while the higher members are colourless, odourless waxy solids. Benzoic acid is referred to

  • Q : Describe physical adsorption and its

    When the forces of attraction existing between adsorbate and adsorbent are van der Waal's forces, the adsorption is called physical adsorption. This type of adsorption is also known as physisorption or van der Waal's adsorption. Since the forces existing between adsorbent and adsorbate are very w

  • Q : Define the term oxidizing agent Briefly

    Briefly define the term oxidizing agent?

  • Q : Benefits of soapy detergents over the

    What are the benefits of soapy detergents over the soap less detergents? Briefly state the benefits?

  • Q : The Liver Is Responsible For Much Of

    The Liver Is Responsible For Much Of The Pentose Phosphate Activity Explain