Ethers
Chapter Name : Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers |
Sub Topic Code : 102_12_11_06_03 |
Topic Name : Ethers |
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Sub Topic Name : Physical Properties |
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Introduction
Ether, any of a class of organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. Ethers are similar in structure to alcohols, and both ethers and alcohols are similar in structure to water. In an alcohol one hydrogen atom of water molecule is replaced by an alkyl group, whereas in ether both hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups.
Pre-Requisites:
Ethers
Activity:
Polythene.
Real Life Question:
What are the physical properties of ether?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| van der Waals | the sum of the attractive or repulsive forces between molecules (or between parts of the same molecule) other than those due to covalent bonds, the hydrogen bonds, or the electrostatic interaction of ions with one another or with neutral molecules or charged molecules. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Polyethers | Polyethers are compounds with more than one ether group. |
Real life uses :
Is a common laboratory solvent.
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:
Ether molecules cannot form hydrogen bonds with each other, resulting in relatively low boiling points compared to those of the analogous alcohols. The difference, however, in the boiling points of the ethers and their isometric alcohols becomes lower as the carbon chains become longer, as the van der Waals interactions of the extended carbon chain dominates over the presence of hydrogen bonding.
What you learn in Practice:
The lower ethers are highly volatile and flammable.