Frequently Asked Question

Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and diethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3) are both organic compounds with similar molecular formulas but distinct structures and properties. Here's a comparison:
Structure:
Ethanol: Has a hydroxyl (-OH) group directly attached to the carbon chain. This makes it an alcohol.
Diethyl ether: Has an oxygen atom linking two ethyl groups. This makes it an ether.
Boiling Point:
Ethanol: Higher boiling point due to hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups.
Diethyl ether: Lower boiling point as it lacks hydrogen bonding. It can only engage in weaker dipole-dipole interactions.
Solubility:
Ethanol: More soluble in water due to the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Diethyl ether: Less soluble in water as it cannot form strong hydrogen bonds with water. It is, however, more soluble in nonpolar solvents.
Reactivity:
Ethanol: More reactive due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, which can participate in various reactions like oxidation and esterification.
Diethyl ether: Less reactive than ethanol. It is relatively inert, often used as a solvent in organic reactions.
Applications:
Ethanol: Used as a fuel, solvent, and in the production of alcoholic beverages.
Diethyl ether: Historically used as an anesthetic but has been largely replaced due to safety concerns. It's still used as a solvent in organic chemistry.