The key difference between anisole and diethyl ether is that anisole contains a methyl group and a phenyl group attached to the same oxygen atom, whereas diethyl ether contains two ethyl groups attached to the same oxygen atom.
Both anisole and diethyl ether are organic compounds. These are ether compounds which contain a central oxygen atom with two attached aryl or alkyl groups. They have different chemical structures depending on the types of alkyl or aryl groups attached to the oxygen atom.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Anisole
3. What is Diethyl Ether
4. Side by Side Comparison – Anisole vs Diethyl Ether in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Anisole?
Anisole is an organic compound having the chemical formula CH3OC6H5. This is an ether compound having a methyl group and a phenyl group attached to the same central oxygen atom. It occurs as a colourless liquid and has an odour that resembles the odour of anise seed. We can observe the presence of this compound in many natural and artificial fragrances. It is mainly a synthetic compound we can use for the synthesis of other organic compounds as a precursor. Anisole can be produced via methylation of sodium phenoxide in the presence of dimethyl sulfate or methyl chloride.
Figure 01: Structure of Anisole
Anisole can undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. The methoxy group of the compound is an ortho/para directing group. This methoxy group has a high impact on the electron cloud of the ring structure attached to the oxygen atom. Moreover, anisole is able to undergo electrophilic reactions as well. For example, anisole reacts with acetic anhydride, forming 4-methoxyacetophenone. The ether linkage of this compound is very stable, but the methyl group is easily replaced by hydrochloric acid. Anisole is generally categorized as a non-toxic compound, but it is a flammable liquid.
What is Diethyl Ether?
Diethyl ether is an organic compound having the chemical formula C2H5OC2H5. It is an ether having two ethyl groups attached to the same central oxygen atom. It is a colourless liquid which is highly volatile and flammable. Moreover, it has a rum-like, sweet odour. This liquid is very useful as a solvent, a general anaesthetic, a recreational drug due to its non-toxicity, etc.
Figure 02: General Structure of Diethyl Ether
Diethyl ether is a functional group isomer of butanol. That means, both diethyl ether and butanol have the same chemical formula, but diethyl ether has an ether functional group while butanol has an alcohol functional group.
When considering the production of diethyl ether, it is mostly formed as a byproduct of hydration of ethylene during the production of ethanol. Moreover, we can prepare diethyl ether via acid ether synthesis. In this process, we have to mix ethanol with strongly acidic sulfuric acid.
There are many uses of diethyl ether. For example, it is important mainly as a solvent in laboratories, as a fuel or a starting fluid, as a general anaesthetic, as a component in pharmaceutical formulations, etc. However, despite the numerous uses of this compound, it is extremely volatile and flammable. This liquid is also sensitive to light and air; it tends to form explosive peroxides upon the explosion to light and air.
What is the Difference Between Anisole and Diethyl Ether?
The key difference between anisole and diethyl ether is that anisole contains a methyl group and a phenyl group attached to the same oxygen atom, whereas in diethyl ether, there are two ethyl groups attached to the same oxygen atom. Another difference between anisole and diethyl ether is that anisole is moderately flammable, while diethyl ether is extremely flammable.
The following table summarizes the differences between anisole and diethyl ether.
Summary – Anisole vs Diethyl Ether
Both anisole and diethyl ether are organic compounds. The key difference between anisole and diethyl ether is that anisole contains a methyl group and a phenyl group attached to the same oxygen atom, whereas in diethyl ether, there are two ethyl groups attached to the same oxygen atom.
Reference:
1. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, “Ether Definition in Chemistry.” ThoughtCo, Feb. 11, 2020, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Anisol” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Diethyl ether chemical structure” By Wolfmankurd at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia