11.0 Epoxides

  Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

If oxygen atom is a part of carbon skeleton in the ring, then such rings are called cyclic ethers. The general formula is $\left( {C{H_2}} \right)nO.$

There are two a­­pproved ways to name epoxide according to one method three-membered oxygen-containing ring is called oxirane with oxygen atom occupying position 1. Alternatively, an epoxide can also be named as an alkane with epoxy substituents and the number of the carbons to which carbon is attached immediately proceeding the alkane name. Example.

Preparation of Epoxides: Epoxides can be prepared by oxidation of alkene using peroxy acids.