ETHERIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Etherification is a chemical process in which an alcohol, usually a primary or secondary alcohol, reacts with an acid to produce an ether. It involves the formation of a new C-O-C bond between the alcohol and the acid, resulting in the substitution of the alcohol’s hydroxyl group (-OH) with an ether functional group (-O-). The reaction is typically catalyzed by an acid, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.
Etherification is an essential method for the synthesis of ethers, which are organic compounds containing an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups. Ethers are widely used as solvents, anesthetics, and intermediates in the production of various chemicals. They exhibit relatively low reactivity, high stability, and a broad range of physical and chemical properties.
The process of etherification can be carried out at different temperatures and pressures depending on the reagents and desired product. Heat and reflux conditions are often applied to ensure efficient reaction completion. The resulting ether product can be purified through various techniques like distillation or extraction.
Etherification reactions have great importance in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and flavorings. Additionally, ethers play a vital role in the development of many industrial products and processes.
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Conversion of an alcohol into ether.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ETHERIFICATION
- wtherification
- stherification
- dtherification
- rtherification
- 4therification
- 3therification
- erherification
- efherification
- egherification
- eyherification
- e6herification
- e5herification
- etgerification
- etberification
- etnerification
- etjerification
- etuerification
- etyerification
- ethwrification
Etymology of ETHERIFICATION
The word "etherification" is derived from the combination of two components: "ether" and "ification".
1. "Ether" comes from the Latin word "aether" which originally referred to the pure upper air believed to be breathed by the gods in ancient mythology. However, in the context of chemistry, it specifically refers to a class of organic compounds that have an oxygen atom between two carbon atoms.
2. "Ication" is a suffix derived from Latin and is used to form nouns. It denotes the action or process of something. For example, "oxidation" refers to the process of something being oxidized.
When these two components are combined, "etherification" refers to the process of forming or creating ether. It specifically relates to the reaction where alcohol combines with an acid to produce an ether compound.
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