Ethers

Question 1

What are ethers?

Answer 1

substituted alkanes in which a hydrogen atoms is replaced with an alkoxy functional group -OR

same general structure: R•-O-R••
the Rs are alkyl groups

Question 2

How can ethers be prepared?

Answer 2

nucleophilic substitution reaction by reacting a monohaloalkane with an alkoxide

Question 3

what type of boiling points do ethers have and why?

Answer 3

low

due to lack of hydrogen bonding between molecules

Question 4

Why are larger ethers insoluble in water?

Answer 4

due to their increased molecular size

e.g. methoxymethane and methoxyethane

Question 5

Why are ethers commonly used as solvents?

Answer 5

relatively inert chemically and will dissolve many organic compounds