The generic formula of ethers is R-O-R'.
<h3>What are ethers?</h3>
Ethers are class of organic compounds which their structures are characterized by an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.
The generic formula of ethers is R-O-R'. The R and R' are the alkyl or aryl groups which may be same or different. The simplest ether is dimethyl ether; CH₃-O-CH₃.
Ethers have similar properties to alcohols. Some properties of ethers include:
- ethers have comparatively higher boiling points than the alkanes and alkenes of similar molecular weight but have lower boiling points than alcohols and alkanoic acids of similar molecular weight.
- ethers are fairly polar molecules compared to the hydrocarbons but are less polar then esters, amines, and alcohols.
- ethers are soluble in water because the of the hydrogen bonding that occurs between water molecules and the central oxygen atom of ethers.
Due to polar covalent nature, ethers are widely used as commercial organic solvents and for extraction of esters, gums, hydrocarbons, alkaloids, oils, resins, dyes, plastics, lacquers, and paints.
In conclusion, ethers contain an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.
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