Ethers

Ethers are a class of compounds that contain an ether group, consisting of a single oxygen atom bonded to two distinct carbon atoms, each part of an organyl group (e.g., alkyl or aryl). The general formula for ethers is R−O−R′, where R and R′ represent the respective organyl groups. Ethers can be classified into two categories: symmetrical ethers, where both organyl groups are identical on either side of the oxygen atom, and mixed or unsymmetrical ethers, where the organyl groups differ.