we know that ethers, such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran, are quite resistant to the action of dilute acids and require hot concentrated HI or HBr for cleavage. However, acetals in which two ether groups are linked to the same carbon undergo hydrolysis readily, even in dilute aqueous acid. How do you account for this marked difference in chemical reactivity toward dilute aqueous acid between ethers and acetals?

we know that ethers, such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran, are quite resistant to the action of dilute acids and require hot concentrated HI or HBr for cleavage. However, acetals in which two ether groups are linked to the same carbon undergo hydrolysis readily, even in dilute aqueous acid. How do you account for this marked difference in chemical reactivity toward dilute aqueous acid between ethers and acetals?

Organic Chemistry

8th Edition

ISBN:9781305580350

Author:William H. Brown, Brent L. Iverson, Eric Anslyn, Christopher S. Foote

Publisher:William H. Brown, Brent L. Iverson, Eric Anslyn, Christopher S. Foote

Chapter21: Benzene And The Concept Of Aromaticity

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 21.55P

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