Question

Give structure of diethyl ether.

Answer 1

Hint: As the name suggest, diethyl means two ethyl groups bonded to form an ether, \[R - O - R\] Using the general formula of ether, two ethyl groups as R groups will result in the formation of diethyl ether, which is a common name given to the ether.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Diethyl Ether, \[{({C_2}{H_5})_2}O\] is a volatile, flammable, colourless liquid with a distinctive odour. It belongs to the large functional group of organic compounds called ethers. It is also known as ethyl ether and its IUPAC name is Ethoxyethane. Ether is synthesized by the dehydration (removal of water molecule) of ethanol using sulphuric acid.
\[2C{H_3}C{H_2}OH + 2{H_2}S{O_4} \to {(C{H_3}C{H_2})_2}O + {H_2}S{O_4} + {H_2}O\]
Its molecular structure consists of two ethyl groups bonded to an oxygen central atom either side following the general formula trend, \[R - O - R\] .
 

Additional information: Ether undergoes combustion reaction, reacts with oxygen and forms carbon dioxide and water. It is highly flammable and reacts with halogens like chlorine or bromine to form halogen substituted ether that undergoes substitution reaction in the absence of sunlight.
It is used as a solvent in laboratories and an excellent solvent for dyes, alkaloids, oils, fats, etc. as it can readily dissolve polar as well as non-polar organic compounds. It is also used as an anaesthetic due to its high therapeutic index.

Note: From the structure, we get that ethers do not have a hydrogen bonding network that needs to be broken up to dissolve the solute. It is a nonpolar molecule similar in structure to alcohols, and both ethers and alcohols are similar in structure to water.