Ethers Flashcards
1
Q
What are ethers?
A
substituted alkanes in which a hydrogen atoms is replaced with an alkoxy functional group -OR
same general structure: R•-O-R••
the Rs are alkyl groups
2
Q
How can ethers be prepared?
A
nucleophilic substitution reaction by reacting a monohaloalkane with an alkoxide
3
Q
what type of boiling points do ethers have and why?
A
low
due to lack of hydrogen bonding between molecules
4
Q
Why are larger ethers insoluble in water?
A
due to their increased molecular size
e.g. methoxymethane and methoxyethane
5
Q
Why are ethers commonly used as solvents?
A
relatively inert chemically and will dissolve many organic compounds
