Question

Give any five differences between aromatic and aliphatic ethers.

Answer 1

Hint: At first think about the difference between the aromatic and aliphatic compound. In aliphatic compounds, the carbons are linked to each other in a straight chain whereas in aromatic compounds the carbons are linked to each other in a ring structure with conjugated pi electrons like benzene.

Complete answer:
Ethers are organic compounds that contain one oxygen atom attached to two alkyl or aryl groups. The representation of the ether functional group is R-O-R. Examples of ethers are dimethyl ether, diphenyl ether. In the above examples, dimethyl ether is an aliphatic ether and diphenyl ether is aromatic ether.

Aromatic Ethers	Aliphatic Ethers
They are water-insoluble and have a high boiling point.The lone pair of electrons on the O atom is delocalized over the benzene nucleus.The bond between O and aromatic C is difficult to break.They undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution.Common names of some aromatic ethers are anisole, furan.	The ethers with low molecular weight are soluble in water and have low boiling points.The lone pair of electrons on the O atom cannot be delocalized.The bond between O and aliphatic C is easy to break.This substitution of H atoms is not possible.Common names of some aliphatic ethers are oxirane, tetrahydrofuran.

Note:
While writing IUPAC names of aromatic ethers or aliphatic ethers make sure to follow the rules. Learn thoroughly about the aromatic compounds as they undergo different types of reactions. Most of the aromatic ethers which are flavoring agents have only one benzene ring with an ether group and one or more saturated or unsaturated chains in its structure.