Which functional group is represented by the general formula R-O-R?

Which functional group is represented by the general formula R-O-R?

• A. R-X
• B. R-O-R
• C. R-OH
• D. R-CO-R

Answer: (B)

The general formula R-O-R represents an ether. Here, an oxygen atom is bonded to two carbon-containing groups with single bonds, linking them together without any hydrogen on the oxygen. This distinguishes it from alcohols (which have an O-H) and from carbonyl compounds like ketones/aldehydes (which contain a C=O). The two R groups can be the same or different, giving symmetric or asymmetric ethers—diethyl ether is a classic example (Et-O-Et). Ethers are typically good solvents and act as hydrogen-bond acceptors, but they don’t donate hydrogen bonds because there’s no O–H bond.

The general formula R-O-R represents an ether. Here, an oxygen atom is bonded to two carbon-containing groups with single bonds, linking them together without any hydrogen on the oxygen. This distinguishes it from alcohols (which have an O-H) and from carbonyl compounds like ketones/aldehydes (which contain a C=O). The two R groups can be the same or different, giving symmetric or asymmetric ethers—diethyl ether is a classic example (Et-O-Et). Ethers are typically good solvents and act as hydrogen-bond acceptors, but they don’t donate hydrogen bonds because there’s no O–H bond.