Organic Chemistry - Ethers and Epoxides, Thiols and Sulfides

This set of flashcards focuses on important vocabulary related to ethers, epoxides, thiols, and sulfides, derived from Organic Chemistry.

Ether

A functional group that has an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl groups.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

A method for preparing ethers via a two-step process, primarily suited for asymmetric ethers.

Crown Ether

A type of polyether that forms stable complexes with metal cations.

Oxirane (Epoxide)

A cyclic ether with a three-membered ring containing one oxygen atom.

Autooxidation

A process by which ethers can oxidize under certain conditions, forming hydroperoxides.

Thiols

Organic compounds containing a sulfhydryl (-SH) group, analogous to alcohols.

Disulfide

An organic compound with two sulfur atoms bonded together, often formed by the oxidation of thiols.

Nomenclature of Ethers

Common names for ethers are based on naming the alkyl groups and ending with 'ether'; IUPAC names identify the larger group as the parent and the smaller as an alkoxy substituent.

Sulfide

The sulfur analog of an ether, with a structure that includes a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms.

Enantioselective Epoxidation

The process of forming an epoxide from an alkene using a chiral catalyst to yield one enantiomer preferentially.