Ethers
Chapter Name : Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers |
Sub Topic Code : 102_12_11_06_05 |
Topic Name : Ethers |
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Sub Topic Name : Cleavage Of C-O Bond In Ethers |
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Introduction
Ethers are quite stable compounds. These are not easily attacked by alkalies; dilute mineral acids, active metals, reducing agents or oxidising agents under ordinary conditions.
Pre-Requisites:
Ethers
Activity:
Hydrogen chloride.
Real Life Question:
What are the chemical properties of ether?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Halogenation | The alkyl gp of ether undergoes substitution reaction with chlorine or bromine to give a-halogenated ethers in absence of sunlight. However in presence of sunlight all the hydrogen atoms of ethers are substituted. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| hydriodic acid | Hydrogen iodide (HI) is a diatomic molecule. Aqueous solutions of HI are known as hydroiodic acid or hydriodic acid, a strong acid. |
Real life uses :
Low-temperature solvent and extraction agent, applicable to specialized laboratory procedures.
Places to visit :
Chemistry laboratory.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Dimethyl ether | Dimethyl ether (DME), also known as methoxymethane, is the organic compound with the formula CH 3OCH 3. The simplest ether, it is a colourless gas that is a useful precursor to other organic compounds and an aerosol propellant. |
What you learn in Theory:
Although ethers resist hydrolysis, their polar bonds are cloven by mineral acids such as hydro bromic acid and hydroiodic acid. Hydrogen chloride cleaves ethers only slowly
What you learn in Practice:
Some ethers undergo rapid cleavage with boron tribromide (even aluminium chloride is used in some cases) to give the alkyl bromide.