Ether vs. Ketone — What's the Difference?

An organic compound containing an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups.

An organic compound with a carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms.

A highly flammable liquid.

A chemical known for its strong, distinctive smell.

A volatile substance used as a starter fluid in engines.

A group of compounds used in perfumes and flavorings.

An abstract medium once thought to fill space.

A byproduct of metabolism in low-carbohydrate diets.

An anesthetic compound used historically in surgeries.

A reactive intermediate in organic synthesis.

Ethers are a class of organic compounds that contain an ether group—an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. They have the general formula R–O–R′, where R and R′ represent the alkyl or aryl groups.

In chemistry, a ketone is a functional group with the structure R2C=O, where R can be a variety of carbon-containing substituents. Ketones contain a carbonyl group (a carbon-oxygen double bond).

Any of a class of organic compounds in which two hydrocarbon groups are linked by an oxygen atom.

Any of a class of organic compounds, such as acetone, characterized by having a carbonyl group in which the carbon atom is bonded to two other hydrocarbon groups and having the general formula R(CO)R′, where R may be the same as R′.

A volatile, highly flammable liquid, C4H10O, derived from distilling ethyl alcohol with sulfuric acid, used as a reagent and solvent, and formerly used as an anesthetic. Also called diethyl ether, ethyl ether.

See ketone body.

The regions of space beyond the earth's atmosphere; the heavens.

(organic compound) A homologous series of organic molecules whose functional group is an oxygen atom joined to a carbon atom—by a double bond—in a carbon-hydrogen based molecule.

The element believed in ancient and medieval civilizations to fill all space above the sphere of the moon and to compose the stars and planets.

One of a large class of organic substances resembling the aldehydes, obtained by the distillation of certain salts of organic acids and consisting of carbonyl (CO) united with two hydrocarbon radicals. In general the ketones are colorless volatile liquids having a pungent ethereal odor.

(Physics) An all-pervading, infinitely elastic, massless medium formerly postulated as the medium of propagation of electromagnetic waves.

Any of a class of organic compounds having a carbonyl group linked to a carbon atom in each of two hydrocarbon radicals

The substance formerly supposed to fill the upper regions of the atmosphere above the clouds, in particular as a medium breathed by deities.

(by extension) The medium breathed by human beings; the air.

(by extension) The sky, the heavens; the void, nothingness.

Often as aether and more fully as luminiferous aether: a substance once thought to fill all unoccupied space that allowed electromagnetic waves to pass through it and interact with matter, without exerting any resistance to matter or energy; its existence was disproved by the 1887 Michelson–Morley experiment and the theory of relativity propounded by Albert Einstein (1879–1955).

The atmosphere or space as a medium for broadcasting radio and television signals; also, a notional space through which Internet and other digital communications take place; cyberspace.

A particular quality created by or surrounding an object, person, or place; an atmosphere, an aura.

Diethyl ether (C4H10O), an organic compound with a sweet odour used in the past as an anaesthetic.

Any of a class of organic compounds containing an oxygen atom bonded to two hydrocarbon groups.

(uncountable) Starting fluid.

To viciously humiliate or insult.

A medium of great elasticity and extreme tenuity, once supposed to pervade all space, the interior of solid bodies not excepted, and to be the medium of transmission of light and heat; hence often called luminiferous ether. It is no longer believed that such a medium is required for the transmission of electromagnetic waves; the modern use of the term is mostly a figurative term for empty space, or for literary effect, and not intended to imply the actual existence of a physical medium. However. modern cosmological theories based on quantum field theory do not rule out the possibility that the inherent energy of the vacuum is greater than zero, in which case the concept of an ether pervading the vacuum may have more than metaphoric meaning.

Supposed matter above the air; the air itself.

A light, volatile, mobile, inflammable liquid, (C2H5)2O, of a characteristic aromatic odor, obtained by the distillation of alcohol with sulphuric acid, and hence called also sulphuric ether. It is a powerful solvent of fats, resins, and pyroxylin, but finds its chief use as an anæsthetic. Commonly called ethyl ether to distinguish it from other ethers, and also ethyl oxide.

A colorless volatile highly inflammable liquid formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic

The fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water; was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies

Any of a class of organic compounds that have two hydrocarbon groups linked by an oxygen atom

A medium that was once supposed to fill all space and to support the propagation of electromagnetic waves

Ethers have an oxygen atom between two carbon groups, while ketones feature a carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms.

Yes, naturally occurring ethers include essential oils, while ketones like fructose are found in fruits.

Ketones typically have higher boiling points because their polar carbonyl group creates stronger intermolecular forces than ethers.

Ketones have strong-smelling carbonyl compounds, like acetone, that produce distinctive odors.

Ketones have broader applications due to their reactivity, while ethers are mainly used as solvents.

Small ketones can dissolve in water due to their polar carbonyl group, while ethers are generally less soluble.

Ketones are generally more reactive due to their polar carbonyl group, which makes the carbon atom electrophilic.

Ethers are used as solvents and anesthetics, while ketones find use in solvents, perfumes, and as intermediates in chemical synthesis.

No, ethers are relatively resistant to oxidation, whereas ketones can be oxidized under strong conditions.

Yes, some complex molecules can have both functional groups.

Ethers usually have mild, sweet smells, whereas ketones often have pungent, fruity, or solvent-like odors.

Both can be used, but ketones are more commonly employed due to their reactivity as intermediates.

Ethers are stable but prone to forming peroxides over time, whereas ketones are generally stable and can participate in various reactions.

Yes, certain essential oils contain both types, providing unique aromas and flavors.

Some ethers are used as flavoring agents, but ketones are more commonly used in food due to their distinctive flavors and aromas.