Ethers
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What is the general formula for ethers?
R-O-R’ where R and R’ are alkyl groups
How do you name ethers?
Ethers are named as alkoxy alkanes. the longest alkyl groups is used to name the parent alkane and the remaining part is the alkoxy group
How are ethers prepared?
By reacting a monohalgenalkane with a metal alkoxide. This reaction is called a nucleophilic sustitution
Describe the polarity of ethers and what effect this has.
Ethers are slightly polar but sufficiently non-polar to make them resistent to attack from nucleophiles and electrophiles
Describe the flammability of ethers.
Ethers are flammable. On contact with air they can form peroxides (R-O-O-R’) which are unstable and sometimes explosive.
What ethers polar enough to form?
hydrogen bonds
What are small ethers said to be?
relatively soluble, especially the same cyclic ethers Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
What are ethers often used in?
solvent extraction or separation as the non-polar solvent either using a separating funnel or evaporation (they are very volatile)
What are ethers said to be?
chemically relatively inert
What was ethoxyethane used as?
an anaesthetic but safer alternatives are now used.