[Chemistry Class Notes] on Difference between Ester and Ether Pdf for Exam

Ester and Ether are two different functional classes of organic compounds. These are the derivatives formed by the process known as esterification/etherification. The key difference between the two lies in their molecular structure. 

Concept of Ester

An ester is a chemical compound derived from an acid. It has a pleasant smell; those of low molecular weight are commonly used as fragrances and are found in essential oils and pheromones Phosphoesters form the backbone of DNA molecules.

 

Concept of Ether

Ethers have the general formula R–O–R′, where R and R′ represent the alkyl or aryl groups. A typical example of the first group is the solvent and anesthetic diethyl ether, commonly referred to simply as “ether” (CH₃–CH₂–O–CH₂–CH₃).

Overview of Difference between Ester and Ether:

The Major Difference between Ester and Ether is that Ester needed two carbon and oxygen atoms to complete its structure, derived from carboxylic acids, and have a carbonyl group while; Ester and Ether both are functional groups and are used to categorize organic chemical compounds. Ether is an organic molecule having two carbon atoms bonded with a single oxygen atom for example dimethyl ether while Ester is a Hence, they are different from each other due to their structure.

 

What is Ether?

Ether is a flammable organic compound where oxygen connects the alkyl and aryl groups on either side. They have a general chemical formula R–O–R′. Ether compounds are used in industries, dyes, perfume, oil, and wax.

Structure of Ether

In the ether, 1 atom of O forms bonds with two C atoms to complete its structure.

Ethyl Acetate or Ethyl Ethanoate

Methyl Butanoate

Propyl Methanoate

Propyl Ethanoate

Ethyl Propanoate

What is Etherification?

Etherification or alkylation is a process used for the synthesis of ether by dehydration of alcohol. 

What is Ester?

Ester is a chemical compound formed by the combination of an organic or inorganic acid. It must have a hydroxyl (–OH) which is swapped by an alkyl (–O–) group. Esters have a pleasant, sweet aroma, hence they are used in synthetic flavoring, perfume, nail polish removers, ink, pharmaceutical industry, and biodiesel.

Structure of Ester

In the structure of an ester, 2 atoms of O form bonds with 2 C atoms. 

For Example

Creatine Ethyl Ester

The general chemical formula for Carboxyl Ester is RCOOR′, where R and R′ are the hydrocarbons. R’ is an alkyl group whereas R may be another alkyl group or hydrogen or an aryl group.

Carboxylic Acid Esters

What is Esterification?

The process of ester formation by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with alcohol is called esterification.

The following key differences between Ester and Ether groups must be considered.

Ester vs Ether: Key Differences On Various Parameters

 

Solved Examples

Example 1

Give chemical reactions for butyl acetate. 

Butyl acetate is an ester formed by the esterification reaction of acetic acid and 1-butanol. The reaction takes place in the presence of a mineral catalyst (H⁺). One molecule of water is liberated in this combination.

This is a reversible reaction.

Example 2

What is T-Butyl Methyl Ether? 

Tert-butyl methyl ether or Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a component of gasoline. It is used as oxygenating to raise the octane number and supplant tetraethyl lead. However, it is produced worldwide due to surging demand in Asian markets. The use of MTBE is controversial in the US.

MTBE is also used in medical procedures of the gallbladder to dissolve gallstones.

MTBE is artificially synthesized via the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene.

 

Did you Know? 

In olden times, ether was used as an anesthetic in surgery. During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) the doctors began its use as an anesthetic on the battlefield. Its use is abolished with the development of safer and more effective options available today.

Diethyl ether is the commonest and the first ether used for sedation during medical procedures. Today, diethyl ether is not easy to buy in most western countries to restrict its massive use by the general public. The drug is used for recreation by people for intoxication.

Still one can find the use of ether in things aroun
d. Fluorocarbons produced by ether are used as refrigerants in consumer durables and aerosol propellants. Some medicines are related to cough and cold medicines, ointments, toothpaste, and mouthwashes.

Fun Facts