Ethers

Ethers are classified as simple or symmetrical, if the alkyl or aryl groups attached to the oxygen atom are the same, and mixed or unsymmetrical if the two groups are different. Diethyl ether, C₂H₅OC₂H₅, is a symmetrical ether whereas C₂H₅OCH₃ and C₂H₅OC₆H₅ are unsymmetrical ethers.

Preparation of ethers:

Preparation of ethers By dehydration of alcohols (From alcohols)

Alcohols undergo dehydration in the presence of protic acids (H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄). The formation of the reaction product, alkene or ether depends on the reaction conditions.

Preparation of ethers Williamson synthesis (From alkyl halide and sodium alkoxide):

It is an important laboratory method for the preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers. In this method, an alkyl halide is allowed to react with sodium alkoxide

Here, the alkyl halide should be primary and alkoxide should be tertiary. In case of aromatic ether, the aromatic part should be with phenoxide ion.