Question

Write the hydrolysis reaction of ethyl methyl ether.

Hint:

Ethers are more commonly cleaved using hot concentrated HI or HBr. Hydrolysis with water requires high temperature and pressure with an acid catalyst.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ethers are generally quite stable. However, they can be cleaved (hydrolyzed) by heating them with dilute sulfuric acid under pressure.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Hydrolysis of an unsymmetrical ether like ethyl methyl ether (\( CH_3-O-C_2H_5 \)) results in the formation of two different alcohols.
The bond between the Oxygen and the alkyl groups is broken, and water adds across it.
The reaction is:
\[ CH_3-O-C_2H_5 + H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{dil. } H_2SO_4, \Delta, \text{pressure}} CH_3OH + C_2H_5OH \]
Products: Methanol and Ethanol.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The hydrolysis of ethyl methyl ether yields methanol and ethanol.