Ethers

Ethers
Organic compound having R – O – R as functional groups are called ethers.
Structure and Nomenclature of Ethers 
General formula: R – O – R’ are the same of different alkyl, alkeny, vinyl, alkyl groups. 
1. i) simple / symmetrical ethers: R & are the same group 
e.g. CH3 – O – CH3 Dimethyl ether 

ii) Mixed / Unsymmetrical ethers: R & R’ are different group 
e.g. C6H5 – O – CH2C6H5 Benzyl phenyl ether 

2. i) aliphatic ethers: R & R’ are methyl ether 
e.g. CH3 – O – CH2CH3 Ethyl methyl ether 

ii) Aromatic ethers: Either both R & R’ are aryl group 
e.g. C6H5 – O – C6H5 Diphenyl ethers
Aromatic ethers are further subdivided into: 
a) Phenolic ethers: One of the groups are aryl while other is alkyl or Alkyl aryl ethers 
e.g. C6H5 – O – CH3 Methyl phenyl ether
b) Diaryl ethers: both groups are aryl
e.g. C6H5 – O – C6H5 Diphenyl ether

3. There are various types of cyclic ethers also. 
i) Cyclic ethers consisting of 2 C’s in a 3 member ether are called as oxirane or Epoxides 
ii) 3 C’s in a 4 member ethers are called oxetanes 
iii) 4’C’s in a 5 member ether are called tetrahydrofurans.
 Oxirane (epoxide) Oxetane Tetrahydraofuran 1,4 – dionane
  (oxacyclobutane) (Oxacyclopentane) (1, 2 – dioxacyclohexane)