Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur

Naming Ethers

GOB Chemistry

14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur

Naming Ethers

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 2

Textbook Question

Ethers have some slight solubility in water. Explain this using the concept of hydrogen bonding.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of ethers: Ethers have the general formula R-O-R', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups, and the oxygen atom is bonded to two carbon atoms.

Recall the concept of hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like O, N, or F) and interacts with a lone pair of electrons on another electronegative atom.

Analyze the oxygen atom in ethers: The oxygen atom in ethers has lone pairs of electrons, which can act as hydrogen bond acceptors. However, ethers lack a hydrogen atom directly bonded to the oxygen, so they cannot act as hydrogen bond donors.

Explain the interaction with water: Water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with the lone pairs on the oxygen atom of the ether. This interaction allows ethers to have slight solubility in water, as the hydrogen atoms in water (H-O-H) can interact with the oxygen in the ether.

Conclude the reasoning: The slight solubility of ethers in water is due to the ability of water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with the lone pairs on the oxygen atom of the ether, even though ethers themselves cannot form hydrogen bonds independently.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is a type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, experiences an attraction to another electronegative atom. This interaction is crucial in determining the solubility of compounds in water, as it allows for the formation of temporary bonds between water molecules and solute molecules.

Polarity of Ethers

Ethers are organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. While ethers are generally nonpolar, the presence of the oxygen atom introduces a degree of polarity, allowing them to interact with polar solvents like water. This polarity contributes to their slight solubility in water, as the ether molecules can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Solubility Principles

The principle of 'like dissolves like' explains that polar solvents, such as water, tend to dissolve polar substances, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar substances. Ethers, having a polar oxygen atom, can engage in hydrogen bonding with water, leading to their limited solubility. However, their overall nonpolar character means they do not dissolve as readily as more polar compounds.