Difference between revisions of "Ether"
(Created page with "{{Stub}} '''Ethers''' are a class of organic compounds, where two alkyl or aryl groups are connected to an oxygen atom connected. The general formula for an ether is R–O–R...") |
m (→Preparation) |
||
| (5 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Stub}} | {{Stub}} | ||
| − | '''Ethers''' are a class of organic compounds, where two alkyl or aryl groups are connected to an oxygen atom | + | '''Ethers''' are a class of organic compounds, where two alkyl or aryl groups are connected to an oxygen atom. The general formula for an ether is R–O–R for simple or symmetrical ethers or R–O–R' for mixed or unsymmetrical ethers. |
| + | |||
| + | ==General== | ||
| + | With the exception of [[dimethyl ether]] and methyl ethyl ether, all ethers are liquids at room temperature. They have a characteristic odor, described as harsh, fruity. | ||
Examples of ethers: | Examples of ethers: | ||
| Line 7: | Line 10: | ||
*Cyclic ethers: [[Tetrahydrofuran]], [[1,4-Dioxane]], 2-methyltetrahydrofuran | *Cyclic ethers: [[Tetrahydrofuran]], [[1,4-Dioxane]], 2-methyltetrahydrofuran | ||
| − | One of the most known characteristics of | + | One of the most known characteristics of ethers is their tendency to form explosive peroxides when stored for long periods of time in contact with air or oxygen. The reaction is accelerated by light, metal catalysts, and aldehydes. Ethers like dimethyl ether or methyl tert-butyl ether however, do not form peroxides. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Preparation== | ||
| + | Symmetric ethers are commonly prepared via acid catalyzed dehydration of alcohols. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Non-symmetric ethers are typically prepared via the Williamson ether synthesis. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
| + | ===Relevant Sciencemadness threads=== | ||
| + | *[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=12288 ether peroxides] | ||
[[Category:Chemical compounds]] | [[Category:Chemical compounds]] | ||
| Line 14: | Line 27: | ||
[[Category:Ethers]] | [[Category:Ethers]] | ||
[[Category:Fragrant compounds]] | [[Category:Fragrant compounds]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Air-sensitive materials]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:59, 1 December 2018
 |
This article is a stub. Please help Sciencemadness Wiki by expanding it, adding pictures, and improving existing text.
|
Ethers are a class of organic compounds, where two alkyl or aryl groups are connected to an oxygen atom. The general formula for an ether is R–O–R for simple or symmetrical ethers or R–O–R' for mixed or unsymmetrical ethers.
General
With the exception of dimethyl ether and methyl ethyl ether, all ethers are liquids at room temperature. They have a characteristic odor, described as harsh, fruity.
Examples of ethers:
- Symmetrical ethers: Diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether
- Unsymmetrical ethers: Methyl tert-butyl ether
- Cyclic ethers: Tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-Dioxane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran
One of the most known characteristics of ethers is their tendency to form explosive peroxides when stored for long periods of time in contact with air or oxygen. The reaction is accelerated by light, metal catalysts, and aldehydes. Ethers like dimethyl ether or methyl tert-butyl ether however, do not form peroxides.
Preparation
Symmetric ethers are commonly prepared via acid catalyzed dehydration of alcohols.
Non-symmetric ethers are typically prepared via the Williamson ether synthesis.
