CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ethers. Ethers are characterized by the presence of an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups, forming a C-O-C linkage.
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CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ is the molecular formula for the ether compound diethyl ether.
Diethyl ether is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet odor and high flammability.
Ethers are generally less reactive than alcohols due to the absence of the hydroxyl group, making them more stable.
Diethyl ether was historically used as an anesthetic, but its use has largely been replaced by safer and more effective alternatives.
Ethers can be synthesized through the reaction of an alcohol with an alkyl halide or by the dehydration of alcohols.
Review Questions
Explain the structural features of CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ and how they relate to the properties of ethers.
The compound CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ consists of two ethyl (CH₃CH₂-) groups bonded to an oxygen atom, forming an ether linkage (C-O-C). This structural arrangement contributes to the characteristic properties of ethers, such as their relatively low reactivity compared to alcohols due to the absence of the reactive hydroxyl (OH) group. The presence of the alkyl groups also influences the physical properties of ethers, like their volatility and flammability.
Describe the synthesis of CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ and compare it to the synthesis of alcohols.
The ether compound CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ can be synthesized through the reaction of an alcohol, such as ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), with an alkyl halide, like ethyl bromide (CH₃CH₂Br). This process, known as the Williamson ether synthesis, involves the nucleophilic substitution of the halide group by the alkoxide ion, forming the ether linkage. In contrast, the synthesis of alcohols typically involves the reduction of carbonyl compounds or the hydration of alkenes, which introduces the hydroxyl (OH) group instead of the ether linkage.
Analyze the potential applications and hazards associated with the use of CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃ (diethyl ether) based on its chemical properties.
Diethyl ether, represented by the formula CH₃CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃, has historically been used as an anesthetic due to its ability to induce a state of unconsciousness. However, its use has been largely replaced by safer and more effective alternatives. The high volatility and flammability of diethyl ether pose significant safety concerns, making it a hazardous substance that requires careful handling and storage. Additionally, the lack of reactivity of the ether linkage can be both an advantage, in terms of stability, and a disadvantage, as it limits the potential for further chemical transformations compared to alcohols.
Related terms
Alcohol: Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (OH) group bonded to a saturated carbon atom.
Alkyl Group: An alkyl group is a hydrocarbon substituent derived from an alkane by the removal of one hydrogen atom.
Ether Linkage: An ether linkage is a covalent bond between an oxygen atom and two alkyl or aryl groups, forming a C-O-C structure.