Ethers are another group of organic compounds, but they are different from esters.
They are formed when two hydrocarbon groups (which can be the same or different) are connected to the same oxygen atom.
Features of ethers:
- Structure: An oxygen atom sits in the middle, bonded to two carbon-containing groups (like chains or rings).
- Naming: Named by the two groups attached to oxygen, followed by the word “ether.” For example, if both groups are ethyl, it’s called diethyl ether.
- Properties:
- Usually colorless and have a sweet smell.
- Less reactive than alcohols and esters.
- Do not mix well with water (except very small ones), but they mix well with many organic liquids.
- Uses:
- Used as solvents in laboratories and industries.
- Diethyl ether was historically used as one of the first surgical anesthetics.
- Some ethers are used in fuels and as additives.
In short: Ethers are organic compounds with an oxygen atom linking two carbon groups, often used as solvents, anesthetics, and fuel additives.