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CH₃-O-CH₃

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

CH₃-O-CH₃, also known as dimethyl ether, is a simple organic compound consisting of two methyl groups (CH₃) connected by an oxygen atom. It is classified as an ether, a type of organic compound where an oxygen atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Dimethyl ether (CH₃-O-CH₃) is a colorless, flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor.
  2. It is used as a propellant in aerosol products, as a fuel, and as a precursor in the production of other chemicals.
  3. Dimethyl ether can be synthesized by the dehydration of methanol, which is a common industrial process.
  4. Ethers, like dimethyl ether, are generally less reactive than alcohols due to the lack of a hydrogen atom bonded to the oxygen atom.
  5. Dimethyl ether has a lower boiling point compared to other ethers of similar molecular weight due to its symmetrical structure and lack of hydrogen bonding.

Review Questions

  • Explain the structural features of dimethyl ether (CH₃-O-CH₃) and how they contribute to its classification as an ether.
    • Dimethyl ether, with the chemical formula CH₃-O-CH₃, is a simple organic compound consisting of two methyl groups (CH₃) connected by an oxygen atom. This structural arrangement, where an oxygen atom is bonded to two alkyl groups, is the defining characteristic of ethers. The presence of the oxygen atom linking the two methyl groups is what classifies dimethyl ether as an ether, a distinct class of organic compounds with unique chemical properties and reactivity compared to other functional groups such as alcohols.
  • Describe the synthesis of dimethyl ether (CH₃-O-CH₃) from methanol and discuss the industrial applications of this compound.
    • Dimethyl ether (CH₃-O-CH₃) can be synthesized through the dehydration of methanol, a common industrial process. In this reaction, two methanol molecules are combined, and a water molecule is removed, resulting in the formation of dimethyl ether. This synthetic route is important because it allows for the large-scale production of dimethyl ether, which has various industrial applications. Dimethyl ether is used as a propellant in aerosol products, as a fuel, and as a precursor in the production of other chemicals, making it a versatile compound with significant commercial value.
  • Analyze the reactivity and chemical properties of dimethyl ether (CH₃-O-CH₃) in comparison to alcohols, and explain how these differences arise from the structural features of the compound.
    • Compared to alcohols, dimethyl ether (CH₃-O-CH₃) exhibits lower reactivity due to the lack of a hydrogen atom bonded to the oxygen atom. In alcohols, the presence of the hydroxyl (OH) group allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds, which increases their reactivity. In contrast, the oxygen atom in dimethyl ether is bonded to two alkyl groups, resulting in a more stable and less reactive compound. This structural difference contributes to the unique chemical properties of ethers, such as their generally lower boiling points and decreased susceptibility to certain reactions, like nucleophilic substitution, that are more common in alcohols. Understanding these reactivity differences is crucial in predicting and explaining the behavior of dimethyl ether and other ether compounds in various chemical processes and applications.