Ethers are known for their general inertness as laboratory solvents. Which of the following reagents — Alcohols 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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