Synthesis- Ethers

Question 1

What can ethers be regarded as?

Answer 1

Substituted alkanes in which a hydrogen atom is replaced with an alkoxy functional group, –OR, and have the
general structure R’ – O – R’’ where R’ and R’’ are alkyl groups

Question 2

How are ethers named?

Answer 2

Ethers are named as substituted alkanes. The alkoxy group is named by adding the ending ‘oxy’ to the alkyl substituent, and this prefixes the name of the longest carbon chain.

Question 3

How can ethers be prepared?

Answer 3

In a nucleophilic substitution reaction by
reacting a monohaloalkane with an alkoxide

Question 4

Why do ethers have lower boiling points than the corresponding isomeric alcohols?

Answer 4

Lack of hydrogen bonding

Question 5

Are ethers soluble in water?

Answer 5

Methoxymethane and methoxyethane are soluble in water. Larger ethers are insoluble in water due to their increased molecular size.

Question 6

What are ethers commonly used as and why?

Answer 6

Ethers are commonly used as solvents since they are relatively inert chemically and will dissolve many organic compounds