Properties
Ethers are rather nonpolar due to the presence of an alkyl group on either side of the central oxygen. That oxygen is unable to partake in hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the bulky alkyl groups that are adjacent. Ethers therefore have low boiling points compared to alcohols of similar molecular weight. However, as the alkyl chain of the ethers becomes longer, the difference in boiling points becomes smaller. This is because the Van der Waals interactions of the extended carbon chain dominate over the presence of hydrogen bonding. The two lone pairs of electrons present on the oxygen atoms make it possible for ethers to form hydrogen bonds with water. Ethers are more polar than alkenes, but not as polar as esters, alcohols or amides of comparable structures.