Ethers, Epoxides & Esters

What are ethers ($RORŐ$)?

Ethers are organic molecules that have a $C-O-C$ bond:

Figure 48.1: An ether: Ethyl propyl ether.

What are epoxides?

Epoxides are a sub-class of ethers in which the $C-O-C$ bond is contained in a heterocyclic system:

Figure 48.2: Epoxides: 1,2-epoxycycloheptane.

One of the oxygen's lone pair of electrons of an epoxide molecule can readily react in an $S_{N}1$ fashion.

What are esters ($RCO_{2}R'$ aka $RCOOR'$)?

Esters are organic molecules in which a carbon atom is (a) double-bonded to an oxygen, and, (b) single bonded to an oxygen. Often, esters are sweet-smelling substances.

Figure 48.3: An ester: Propyl acetate.