Physical properties of Ethers - Boiling points and Solubility

(a) Boiling points: Boiling points of ethers are very much lower as compared to those of isomeric alcohols, although nearer to alkanes comprising comparable volume. This is due to the nonexistence of hydrogen bonding in ethers.

(b) Solubility: Solubilities of ethers in water are equivalent with those of alcohols.

Example for this is: Di ethyl ether and n-butyl alcohol have almost similar solubility in water. This is reason, ether form hydrogen covalent bond along with water much in similar way as alcohol do along with water.