Ethers
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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.
Ethers
- 1. Ethers By: Lucia Artigas & Brenda Chavira
- 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.
- 7. Bibliography http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/broug httolife/techniques/ether.aspx - Credits:Wellcome Library, London. https://www.boundless.com/chemistry/or ganic-chemistry/functional-group-names- properties-and-reactions/ethers/ -Wilhelm Heitmann, Günther Strehlke, Dieter Mayer "Ethers, Aliphatic" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry“