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Question: Write the structure of two ethers with molecular formula \[{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\tex...

Write the structure of two ethers with molecular formula C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}}.

Explanation

Solution

To solve this we must know that the functional group of ether is R−O−R{\text{R}} - {\text{O}} - {\text{R}}, where R is any alkyl group. We are given a molecular formula C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}}. We have to write the two structures having the ether functional group and the molecular formula C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}}.

Complete answer:
We know that the functional group of ether is R−O−R{\text{R}} - {\text{O}} - {\text{R}}, where R is any alkyl group. We are given a molecular formula C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}}. We have to write the two structures having the ether functional group and the molecular formula C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}}.
To draw the structures of ether we have to attach two alkyl groups to the oxygen atom.
To draw the first structure attach two ethyl groups to the oxygen atom. And to draw the second structure attach one methyl group and one propyl group to the oxygen atom.
The ethyl group is −C2H5 - {{\text{C}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}}, methyl group is −CH3 - {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}} and propyl group is −C3H7 - {{\text{C}}_{\text{3}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{7}}}.
Thus, the structures of two ethers with molecular formula C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}} are as follows:

In the first structure, two methyl groups are attached to the oxygen atom. Thus, the name is dimethylether.
In the second structure, one methyl group and one propyl group are attached to the oxygen atom. Thus, the name is methyl propyl ether.

Note: The structures having the same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms or groups in the space are said to be isomers of each other. Dimethylether and methylpropylether have same molecular formula i.e. C4H10O{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{O}}. But the arrangement of atoms is different. Thus, dimethylether and methylpropylether are isomers of each other.