Alcohols Phenols and EthersmediumMCQ SINGLE⭐ Must-Do

Ethers are known for their general inertness as laboratory solvents. Which of the following reagentsAlcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

Question

Ethers are known for their general inertness as laboratory solvents. Which of the following reagents will successfully attack and cleave a dialkyl ether?

Answer: D

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ethers contain poor leaving groups (alkoxides) and lack acidic protons. They resist strong bases ($OH^-$) and active metals. They are only cleaved by strong, concentrated hydrohalic acids (like $HI$ or $HBr$) under heat, which protonate the oxygen to create a good leaving group.

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