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Abstract
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The oxygen atom of an ether has sp³ hybridization. Herein, we consider the structure of dimethyl ether as the simplest member of this family of com- pounds. The C–O–C bond angle of dimethyl ether is 112°, approximately the tetrahedral bond angle (Scheme 1.1). A similar situation occurs when we compare the conformations of cyclic ethers with those of the corresponding cycloalkanes. For example, tetrahydropyran reveals a chair conformation. Following the predictions of VSEPR theory, the two oxygen lone pair elec- trons are placed in positions corresponding to the axial and equatorial C–H bonds of cyclohexane. A similar situation exists when we compare the conformations of cyclic ethers with those of the corresponding cycloalkanes. For example, tetrahy- dropyran reveals a chair conformation, as the most stable conformer. Based on the VSEPR theory rules, the two lone pairs of oxygen are placed in posi- tions corresponding to the axial and equatorial cyclohexane C–H bonds
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