Physical Properties of Ether

Polar Nature of Ether

Since the electronegativity of oxygen is greater than that of carbon, ethers are polar in nature. Moreover, the two C-O bonds in ether are inclined to each other at an angle of 110°, and therefore, the two dipoles do not cancel each other, resulting in a net dipole moment.
i.e., The dipole moment (μ) in ether ≠ 0

Boiling Point of Ether

The boiling point of ethers is lower than that of isomeric alcohols because ethers do not form H-bonds within themselves. For example, the boiling point of methoxy methane (CH₃OCH₃) is lower than that of ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) even though both have the same formula C₂H₆O.

Solubility of Ether

• Lower ethers (up to three carbon atoms) are soluble in water because they form hydrogen bond with water molecules. The solubility of ethers in water decreases with increase in mass because the hydrocarbon part becomes larger and resists the formation of hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
• Ethers are fairly soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, benzene, acetone.

Density of Ether

Ethers are lighter than water.

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