Summary:
- An ether is an organic compound in which two hydrocarbon groups are bonded to the same atom of oxygen.
- An ether is represented by the general formula R−O−R’.
- The parent compound is given by the word ether, which appears at the end of the name.
- Ethers are very flammable and have undesirable side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
- Safer alternatives to ethers are now used in anesthesia and the primary use of ethers today is as a solvent for other organic compounds.