H-bonding and ether?

[Dr.Clippers]

hey guys quick question, can diethyl ether or just an ether H-bond w/ water or alcohol? thx.

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[unique135]

Ethers has O in it so I expect them to have some polarity.

But, they doesn't have H atom (with partial positive charge) attached to O, they don't H-bond with themselves. However, their oxygen atom can H-bond with Hydrogen atom attached to any electronegative atom (mainly O,F,N)


So, yes Ether can form H bond with water and alcohol.

 

[badmintondr]

So hydrogen bonds love to form between acidic hydrogens and basic electron pairs. However, the only reason why ether may be able to make a hydrogen bond is if it represents the "basic electron pair" side. It would be unable to be the side which has the acidic hydrogens. Thus, I believe that if a hydrogen bond is formed, it will be that strong.

Side note: Most acidic hydrogens are usually on hydroxyls O-H

Correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[JFK90787]

Ether can be a H bond acceptor but not donor

Donors:
F--H
N--H
O--H

Acceptors:
F
N
O