3.11 Ethers and Thioethers

Ethers are a whole class of compounds, the most famous being diethyl ether CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃. Whenever two alkyl and/or aryl groups share an oxygen atom, the result is an ether. Anisole, named for anise but smelling more like benzene, is phenyl methyl ether. A more pleasant anisic-smelling molecule is p-cresyl methyl ether. Diphenyl ether is a compound that smells like geranium or new vinyl.

Ethers are sometimes just called oxides, so diphenyl ether and diphenyl oxide are the same thing.

Thioethers exist, but are more usually called sulfides. Dimethyl sulfide CH₃SCH₃ is emitted by the ocean and adds a sulfurous note to the marine smell. It also occurs in foods, especially cruciferous vegetables. Various other organosulfides can be found in foods, including polysulfides like CH₃SSSCH₃. Each one adds its own nuance to flavors.

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