Question

What is a reason why ethers have low water solubility?

They have symmetrical R groups.

They contain the functional group hydroxyl.

They have a strong carbon–oxygen double bond.

They cannot form hydrogen bonds among themselves

Answer 1

They cannot form hydrogen bonds among themselves and with water molecules.

Answer 2

They cannot form hydrogen bonds among themselves

Step-by-step explanation:

The major difference between the alcohols and ethers is the presence of the the hydroxyl group in alcohols which is absent in ethers. The hydroxyl group makes the alcohols able to form hydrogen bonds with each other and with water. This enables the alcohols to dissolve in water.

On the other hand, ethers lack the hydroxyl group so they cannot form hydrogen bonds with each other and with water hence they are often not soluble in water.