Scribd
Upload
4 views14 pages

Chemical Bonding Educational Presentation in Purple and Gray Abstract Styl - 20241108 - 145929 - 0000

Uploaded by

joy galero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views14 pages

Chemical Bonding Educational Presentation in Purple and Gray Abstract Styl - 20241108 - 145929 - 0000

Uploaded by

joy galero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

Ethers

Characteristics and Function


Nice Joy L. Galero
BSEd – Science 2A
Ether

Any of a class of organic compounds


characterized by an oxygen atom bonded to
two alkyl or aryl groups. Ethers are similar
in structure to alcohols, and both ethers and
alcohols are similar in structure to water. In
an alcohol one hydrogen atom of a water
molecule is replaced by an alkyl group,
whereas in an ether both hydrogen atoms
are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups.
At room temperature, ethers are pleasant-
smelling colourless liquids. Relative to
alcohols, ethers are generally less dense,
are less soluble in water, and have lower
boiling points. They are relatively
unreactive, and as a result they are useful
as solvents for fats, oils, waxes, perfumes,
resins, dyes, gums, and hydrocarbons.
Vapours of certain ethers are used as
insecticides, miticides, and fumigants for
Ether
Ethers are also important in medicine and
pharmacology, especially for use as
anesthetics. For example, ethyl ether
(CH3CH2―O―CH2CH3), simply known as
ether, was first used as a surgical anesthetic
in 1842. Codeine, a potent pain-relieving
drug, is the methyl ether of morphine.
Because ether is highly flammable, it has
largely been replaced by less-flammable
anesthetics, including nitrous oxide (N2O)
and halothane (CF3―CHClBr).
Ethyl ether is an excellent solvent for
extractions and for a wide variety of
chemical reactions. It is also used as a
volatile starting fluid for diesel engines and
gasoline engines in cold weather. Dimethyl
ether is used as a spray propellant and
refrigerant. Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) is a
gasoline additive that boosts the octane
number and reduces the amount of
nitrogen-oxide pollutants in the exhaust. The
ethers of ethylene glycol are used as
Check for Understanding
Function of Ether
Solvent: It’s a popular solvent for a wide
variety of organic compounds, including fats,
oils, and resins. Its low polarity makes it
suitable for dissolving non-polar substances.

Reaction Medium: It’s used as a reaction


medium for various organic reactions, such as
Grignard reactions and Williamson ether
synthesis.
Extraction: It’s used in liquid-liquid
extraction to separate compounds based on
their solubility.

Anesthesia: Historically, diethyl ether was


used as a general anesthetic, but its
flammability and potential for side effects
led to its replacement by safer alternatives
.
Fragrances and Perfumes:

Volatility: Ethers are often volatile,


meaning they evaporate easily. This makes
them ideal for adding pleasant scents to
products like perfumes, cosmetics, and
soaps.

- Examples: Some ethers, like ethyl


acetate, are used as fragrance components.
Medical Applications:

- Antiseptics: Some ethers have antiseptic


properties and are used in medical
disinfectants.

- Medications: Ethers are sometimes


incorporated into the structures of drugs,
influencing their properties.
Industrial Applications:

Fuel Additives: Ethers like methyl tert-


butyl ether (MTBE) have been used as
gasoline additives to increase octane
rating.

Polymers: Ethers can be used to make


polymers, which are long chains of
molecules.
Thank You!
Any Questions?
Now let’s proceed to the
Uses and Derivatives of
Ethers!

You might also like