When ethers are exposed to atmospheric oxygen and light for extended periods, they slowly autoxidize — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ethers undergo slow free-radical autoxidation at the $\alpha$ -carbon to form explosive hydroperoxides. Their presence is detected by shaking with aqueous ferrous ammonium sulfate ($Fe^{2+}$) and $KSCN$. Peroxides oxidize $Fe^{2+}$ to $Fe^{3+}$, which coordinates with $SCN^-$ to form a blood-red complex.