Chapter 22, Problem 12RQ

What distinguishes an alcohol from an ether?

To determine

The distinction between an alcohol and an ether.

Answer to Problem 12RQ

An alcohol and an ether can be distinguished on the basis of presence of hydroxyl group. In an alcohol there is a bond between a saturated carbon atom and the hydroxyl group. But in an ether, two carbon atom are bonded with a common oxygen atom i.e. there is no hydroxyl group in an ether.

Explanation of Solution

Both the alcohol and ether are the organic compounds structurally related to each other. But what makes them different from each other is the presence of hydroxyl group . In alcohol the hydroxyl group is attached to the saturated carbon atom. But in ether there is no hydroxyl group. In the structure of ether an oxygen atom is attached to two carbon atoms. Also, physical properties of alcohol and ether are different. Former is very soluble in water whereas the latter is not much soluble.

Conclusion:

Therefore, an alcohol and an ether can be distinguished from each on the basis of presence of hydroxyl group as well as their physical properties.