Ethers

Carl Robinson and Michael Ross

Standard structure

R – Alkyl Group_’ – Substituent (substituted alkyl group_

Naming

• __ ______ Ether• 1st is either the prefix of “Di-” or is the first

alkyl group within the compound in alphabetical order.

• 2nd is followed by the main alkyl group or the second alkyl group within alphabetical order.

• All end with the word ether.

+ Na H—H

+ +

Ethanol (l) Sodium (s) Sodium Ethoxide (s) Hydrogen gas (g)

Chloroethane (g) Sodium Ethoxide (s)

NaCl

Sodium Chloride (s) Diethyl Ether (l)

+

Williamson Ether Synthesis

Note: This is occurs according to the SN2 reaction

SN2 reaction

Williamson Ether Synthesis Cont.

• Alkyl Halide- Halogen bonded to an alkyl group.

• Nucleophile-a compound which donates a pair of electrons.

• The nucleophile (lewis base) reacts which an alkyl halide.

• After the reaction the products are a salt and an ether.

Diethylether

Used as an anaesthesia

Nitrous Oxide

Otherwise known as laughing gas this compound is used as an anaesthesia in many medical fields

Other uses

• Anaesthetic• Refrigerant• Solvent• Engine starter

Bibliography• http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/images/522diethylether.GIF

(Picture)• http://www.wikipedia.org

(Picture)• http://www.tutorvista.com/chemistry/uses-of-ether• Hornblack, Joseph M. “Organic Chemisty” Brooks & Cole 1998 Pg. 52, 354,

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