Which of the following product is formed , when ether is exposed to air :

Options

A. Oxide
B. Alkanes
C. Alkenes
D. Peroxide of diethyl ether

Answer

To determine the products formed when ether is exposed to air, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Ether
Ethers are compounds that contain an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. For example, diethyl ether has the structure CH3CH2-O-CH2CH3.

### Step 2: Identify the Reaction Conditions
When ethers are exposed to air (oxygen) and sunlight, they can undergo oxidation reactions.

### Step 3: Write the Reaction
In the presence of oxygen and sunlight, diethyl ether can form hydroperoxides and peroxides. The general reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Diethyl ether} + \text{O}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}} \text{Hydroperoxide} + \text{Diethyl peroxide} \]

### Step 4: Identify the Products
1. **Hydroperoxide**: This is formed when an ether reacts with oxygen. For diethyl ether, the hydroperoxide can be represented as:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{O-OH} \]

2. **Diethyl Peroxide**: This compound has the structure:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{O-O}\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3 \]

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, when diethyl ether is exposed to air, it forms hydroperoxide and diethyl peroxide. The correct answer to the question is that ethers, when exposed to air, form peroxides.