Ethers

Ethers are organic molecules in which two hydrocarbon groups are linked to both ends of the oxygen atom (alkyl or aryl). The general formula for ether is R-O-R′. The hydrocarbon group may be the same as R or different, represented by the R′ in the formula. 

Classification of Ethers

Ether can be divided into two categories based on the aryl or alkyl group type connected to the oxygen atom.

• Symmetrical Ether: The aryl or alkyl group that is connected to either side of the oxygen atoms is identical to that of the simple ether, which is another name for it. Examples include C₂H₅OC₂H₂, CH₃OCH₃, and others.
• Unsymmetrical Ether: This is also known as mixed either because there are different aryl or alkyl groups connected to either side of the oxygen atoms. A few examples include C₂H₅OC₆H₅, CH₃OC₂H₅, and others.

IUPAC Nomenclature of Ethers

• One of the alkoxy (alkyl with oxygen) groups is handled as a substituent attached to a parent chain, with the longest carbon chain selected as the parent chain.
• The oxygen atom is a component of the alkyl group, which has fewer carbon atoms than it does, and combined, these two groups make up the alkoxy group.
• Alkyl substituents in the IUPAC system have a -oxy ending in place of the -yl. For instance, -OCH₃ methoxy is -CH₃ methyl, while -OCH₂CH₃ ethoxy is -CH₂CH₃ ethyl.

• Alkoxy (-O-R) groups are not prioritized in the list of functional groups because they are thought of as substituents. Therefore, they leave the parent chain’s suffix. 
  The parent chain is changed from “ane” to “ol,” and the -OH group is given priority. The -OR group, on the other hand, is appended as a prefix in alphabetical order and has no priority.

• The ether’s substituents are identified alphabetically by name.

Common System: The two aryl or alkyl groups connected to the oxygen atoms can be named separately in alphabetical sequence, and then we can add the suffix “ether” to create the common names of ethers. We employ the “di” prefix before the alkyl or aryl group name in the case of symmetrical ethers.

The prefix -di is used for symmetrical ethers. If the names of the alkyl groups are different, spaces should be left between them and before the term ether.

Also, Read

• Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• Physical properties of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• Some Commercially Important Alcohols

Alcohols Ethers and Phenols are the categories of organic compounds. These compounds are used extensively in a variety of household businesses. Alcohol is created when the hydroxyl (-OH) group forms a bond with the saturated carbon atom. Ether is created when alcohol is dehydrated. These are the classes of organic compounds that are used in a variety of residential and industrial environments.