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 relatively unreactive but can be cleaved (hydrolyzed) by heating with dilute mineral acids under pressure or with concentrated halogen acids.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Ethyl methyl ether (\(CH_3-O-CH_2CH_3\)) is an unsymmetrical ether.
Upon hydrolysis with dilute sulfuric acid (\(H_2SO_4\)) under pressure, the \(C-O\) bond breaks.
The reaction produces two different alcohols: Methanol and Ethanol.
Chemical Equation:
\[ CH_3-O-C_2H_5 + H-OH \xrightarrow{H^+/\Delta} CH_3OH + C_2H_5OH \]
Step 4: Final Answer: Hydrolysis of ethyl methyl ether yields methanol and ethanol.