• Ethers contain the R-O-R’ linkage, where R and R’ are a hydrocarbon (aliphatic or aromatic) group. They are formed by the reaction between an alkoxide (containing the RO------ ion) and an alkyl halide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like alcohols, ethers are extremely flammables. When left standing in air, they have a tendency to slowly form explosive peroxides. Peroxides contain the -----O---O----- linkage; the simplest peroxide is hydrogen peroxide, H2O2. Diethyl ether, commonly known as “ether,” was used as an anesthetic for many years. It produces unconsciousness by depressing the activity of the central nervous system.    

 

 

Ethers are named according to the standard system of naming organic compounds. As is also true for other types of organic compounds/molecules, there are also some non-standard names for ethers in common usage. Some of the alternative names used for the simple ethers shown in the tables of examples on this page are listed in the column under the header "synonyms".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amines are organic bases having the general formula R3N, where R may be H or a hydrocarbon group. As with ammonia, the reaction of amines with water is:

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These salts are usually colorless, odorless solids.

          Aromatic amines are used mainly in the manufacture of dyes. Aniline, the simplest aromatic amine, itself is a toxic compound; a number of other aromatic amines such as 2-naphthylamine and Benzedrine are potent carcinogens.

 

 

 

 

 

written by: Glenn Malaca