Ethers are a class of organic compounds containing an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups, following the general formula R-O-R'. Ethers have relatively low polarity and reactivity compared to similar alcohols and alkenes. Common reactions of ethers include forming peroxides in the presence of oxygen and dehydration of alcohols to form ethers. Historically, ether was first used as a general anesthetic for surgery in the 1840s and is still applied as a colorless liquid that causes unconsciousness.
2. What is an Ether?
A class of organic compounds that
contain an oxygen group connected to
2 alkyl or aryl groups. They follow the general
formula R-O-R'.
3. Properties
ᴥ Are rather nonpolar due to
the presence of an alkyl
group on either side of the
central oxygen is unable to
partake in hydrogen
bonding due to the
presence of the bulky alkyl
groups that are adjacent.
ᴥ Have low boiling points
compared to alcohols of
similar molecular weight.
ᴥ Ethers are more polar
than alkenes, but not as
polar as esters, alcohols
or amides of comparable
structures.
4. Reactions
∞ Ethers have relatively low chemical reactivity,
although they are still more reactive than alkanes.
∞ Ethers tend to form peroxides in the presence of
oxygen or air. The general formula is R-O-O-R'.
∞ Ethers can be formed in the laboratory through the
dehydration of alcohols (2 R-OH → R-O-R + H2O at
high temperature)
5. Applications and Uses
A botanist and chemist Valerius Cordus (1515-
1544), who called his discovery "sweet oil of vitriol"
Ether is used as a general anesthetic for surgery. His
contemporary Paracelsus also noted that it could
be used to produce sleep.
6. Applications and Uses
Discovered nitrous oxide
gas. -Ether "frolics," in which
participants inhaled ether
laughing gas“. The use of
ether specifically as
an anaesthetic in dental
and surgical procedures
began in the 1840
Ether is a colourless liquid
which causes
unconsciousness.