What are ethers? How are ethers classified?

1.	What are ethers? How are ethers classified?
Answer» They are alkoxy derivatives of alkanes in which a hydrogen atom of alkane (R – H) is replaced by alkoxy group ( – O – R) and divalent oxygen atom is attached to two alkyl groups or two aryl groups or one alkyl and one aryl group. Ethers are organic oxides R – O – Ar, Ar – O – Ar. E.g. R – O – R or C₂H₅ – O – C₂H₅. Ethers are classified into two groups as follows : (1) Simple or symmetrical ether : The ethers in which both alkyl (or aryl) groups attached to the oxygen atom are same are called simple ethers. E.g. (R – O – R), CH₃– O – CH₃, dimethyl ether; C₆H5 – O - C₆H₅ diphenyl ether. (2) Mixed or unsymmetrical ethers : The ethers in which the two alkyl (or aryl) groups attached to the oxygen atom are different are called mixed ethers. E.g. (R – O – R), CH₃ – O – C₂H₅ ethyl methyl ether; C₂H₅ – O – C₆H₅ ethyl phenyl ether.

Answer»

They are alkoxy derivatives of alkanes in which a hydrogen atom of alkane (R – H) is replaced by alkoxy group ( – O – R) and divalent oxygen atom is attached to two alkyl groups or two aryl groups or one alkyl and one aryl group.

Ethers are organic oxides R – O – Ar, Ar – O – Ar.

E.g. R – O – R or C₂H₅ – O – C₂H₅.

Ethers are classified into two groups as follows :

(1) Simple or symmetrical ether :

The ethers in which both alkyl (or aryl) groups attached to the oxygen atom are same are called simple ethers.

E.g. (R – O – R), CH₃– O – CH₃, dimethyl ether; C₆H5 – O - C₆H₅ diphenyl ether.

(2) Mixed or unsymmetrical ethers :

The ethers in which the two alkyl (or aryl) groups attached to the oxygen atom are different are called mixed ethers.

E.g. (R – O – R), CH₃ – O – C₂H₅ ethyl methyl ether; C₂H₅ – O – C₆H₅ ethyl phenyl ether.

What are ethers? How are ethers classified?

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