ROH + HOR' --> ROR' + H2O alcohol alcohol ether
Like esters, ethers are limited in their ability to form hydrogen bonds. They tend to be more hydrophobic than other, analogous condensation products (such as esters or amides). They are also much more resistant to hydrolysis than their ester or amide analogues.
In addition to the generic meaning, the term "ether" also commonly refers to the specific compound diethyl ether, CH3CH2OCH2CH3, also known as ethoxyethane. Diethyl ether was one of the first anesthetic?s used in surgery?.
Despite their comparably attenuated reactivity, ethers can act as [Lewis acid]?s. For instance, diethyl ether forms a complex with boron compounds, such as boron trifluoride etherate, F3B:O(CH2CH3)2