Ether

Name:
Ether
Detailed information:
A class of organic compounds in which an oxygen atom is interposed between two carbon atoms (organic groups) in the molecular structure, giving the generic formula ROR. They may be derived from alcohols by elimination of water, but the major method is catalytic hydration of olefins. Only the lowest member of the series, methyl ether, is gaseous; most are liquid, and the highest members are solid (cellulose ethers). The term ether is often used synonymously with ethyl ether and is the legal label name for it.

Hazard:

The lower molecular weight ethers are dangerous fire and explosion hazards; when containing peroxides they can detonate on heating.

Use:

See Ethyl Ether; Polymer, Water-soluble; Ethylene Oxide; Propylene Oxide; Diethylene Glycol; Ethylcellulose; Polyether.Note: An illogical and archaic use of the term ether survives in such names as petroleum ether.

See Crown Ether.