Question

Ethers exhibits metamerism.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: Metamerism is generally kept in the category of isomerism. Isomerism is the phenomenon in which two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different chemical structures and that type of compound are known as isomers.

Complete Solution :
- Ethers are types of organic compounds that contain an ether group in which an oxygen atom is connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. General formulas represented by ethers are $R-O-R'$ Where R and R’ represents the alkyl or aryl group. Ethers are further classified into two types:
- Symmetrical ethers: These are those ethers in which the alkyl or aryl group are the same on the both sides of oxygen atom i.e. in $R-O-R'$, $R = R’$.
- Asymmetrical ethers: In this type alkyl or aryl group connected with oxygen is different i.e. in $R-O-R'$ , R is not equal to R’.
- Isomers are divided into two types: Structural and geometrical isomers. Metamerism is a part of structural isomerism. This type of isomerism arises due to the presence of different alkyl chains on each side of the functional group. It is a rare type of isomerism and is generally limited to molecules that contain a divalent atom for example sulfur or oxygen which is generally surrounded by alkyl groups. For example an ether i.e. ${{C}_{4}}{{H}_{10}}O$ can be represented in two forms like ethoxyethane ${{C}_{2}}{{H}_{5}}O{{C}_{2}}{{H}_{5}}$ and methoxy-propane $C{{H}_{3}}O{{C}_{3}}{{H}_{7}}$.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Ethers are generally colorless which have a sweet smell that’s why they are used for making perfumes and these are liquids at room temperature. They have a low boiling point as compared to water.