Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321768418
ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 14 - Ethers, Epoxides, and Thioethers - Problems - Page 637: Problem 14-11

Answer

Bimolecular condensation is a poor method for making asymmetrical ethers such as ethyl methyl ether because it involves separation of products which causes less recovery of the products.

Work Step by Step

Bimolecular condensation of alcohols is generally a poor synthetic method because the heating of the mixture of methanol and ethanol with acid produces many products like ethyl methyl ether, diethyl ether, and dimethyl ether. This is a mixture of lot of products and in the process of separation of these products, chances are that some product would be lost. Thus, in order to avoid the process of separation and promote recovery of products, the bimolecular condensation is a poor method for making unsymmetrical ethers.
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