In a standard, symmetrical dialkyl ether such as diethyl ether, the bulky alkyl groups induce a sign — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

While the oxygen atom in ethers is $sp^3$ hybridized, which normally dictates a $109.5^\circ$ tetrahedral angle, the strong steric repulsion between the two bulky alkyl ($R$) groups forces the $C-O-C$ bond angle to open up slightly wider than the standard tetrahedral angle, reaching approximately $110^\circ$ to $111^\circ$. The provided theory specifically notes $110^\circ$.