Classification, Structure of functional group, IUPAC System - Ethers | 12th Chemistry : UNIT 11 : Hydroxy Compounds and Ethers
Chapter: 12th Chemistry : UNIT 11 : Hydroxy Compounds and Ethers
Ethers
Ethers:
Ethers are a class of organic compound in which an oxygen atom is
connected to two alkyl/aryl groups 
. Ethers can be considered
as the derivatives of hydrocarbon in which one hydrogen atom is replaced by an
alkoxy ( -OR ) or an aryloxy( -OAr ) group. The general formula of aliphatic
ether is Cn H2n+2O .
Classification:
Structure of functional group
The structure of ethereal oxygen which is attached to two alkyl groups
is similar to the structure of -O-H group of alcohol. The oxygen atom is sp3
hybridized. Two sp3 hybridized orbitals of oxygen linearly overlap with
two sp3 hybrid orbitals of the carbon which are directly attached to
the oxygen forming two C-O' σ’ bonds. The C-O-C bond angle is slightly greater
than the tetrahedral bond angle due to the repulsive interaction between the
two bulkier alkyl groups.
IUPAC System:
Let us recall the naming of ethers according to IUPAC nomenclature.
Evaluate yourself
Give the IUPAC name for the following ethers and classify
them as simple or mixed.
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