Ether O

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.