Question

The general formula for an ether is __________.

A) R-O-R'
B) R-CO-R'
C) R-CO-OH
D) R-OH
E) R-CO-H

Answer 1

The general formula for an ether is R-O-R', which signifies a compound where two hydrocarbon groups are bonded to the same oxygen atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The general formula for an ether is R-O-R'. An ether is an organic compound where two hydrocarbon groups (alkyl or aryl) are bonded to the same oxygen atom.

This can be visualized as a water molecule (H-O-H) where the two hydrogen atoms have been replaced by hydrocarbon chains or groups. Ethers are distinct from alcohols, such as an alcophol (should be spelled 'alcohol') which has the general formula ROH, where 'R' is a hydrocarbon group and '-OH' is a hydroxyl group.

It is important to note that in ethers, there is no hydrogen atom connected to the oxygen atom (-OH group), which is why they have lower boiling points compared to alcohols of similar molar mass, due to the lack of hydrogen bonding.