Reactions of Ethers
Ethers (R-O-R’) are compounds formed by replacing hydrogen atoms of an alcohol (R-OH compound) or a phenol (C6H5OH) by an aryl/ acyl group (functional group after removing single hydrogen from an aromatic ring). In this section, reaction, preparation and behavior of ethers are discussed in the context of organic chemistry.
Epoxides
Epoxides are a special class of cyclic ethers which are an important functional group in organic chemistry and generate reactive centers due to their unusual high reactivity. Due to their high reactivity, epoxides are considered to be toxic and mutagenic.
Williamson Ether Synthesis
An organic reaction in which an organohalide and a deprotonated alcohol forms ether is known as Williamson ether synthesis. Alexander Williamson developed the Williamson ether synthesis in 1850. The formation of ether in this synthesis is an SN2 reaction.
![Possible compounds:
p-chlorobenzoic acid
acetaldehyde
trimethylamine
styrene
glucose
Qualitative test results:
Sodium fusion test
Hydrolysis
Hydroxamic acid test
Lucas test
Nitration test
benzoic acid
4-bromosalicylic acid
ethylamine
formaldehyde
ethyl acetate
tert-butanol
p-chlorophenol
n-propanol
acetone
sucrose
clear solutions for all tests for heteroatoms
loss of sweet smell; production of vinegar smell
red-wine solution
colorless solution with no layer
colorless solution](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F6c12d14d-a4db-4d7c-ab77-9737a59c6d67%2F2805afe8-5000-4269-8d3e-d9cf3222a701%2F5crvngb_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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