Question

Explain hydrolysis of ethers.

Answer 1

Ethers on hydrolysis with dilute H₂SO₄ undergo hydrolysis to give alcohols/phenols.

\[\ce{\underset{(Simple ether)}{R-0-R} + H2O ->[dil.H2SO4][\Delta]\underset{(Alcohol)}{2R-OH}}\]

\[\ce{\underset{(Mixed ether)}{R-0-R'}+ H2O ->[dil.H2SO4][\Delta]\underset{(Alcohol)}{R-OH} + \underset{(Alcohol)}{R'-OH}}\]

\[\ce{\underset{(Phenyl ether)}{Ar-0-R} + H2O ->[dil.H2SO4][\Delta] \underset{(Phenol)}{Ar-OH} + \underset{(Alcohol)}{R-OH}}\]