Question

What is the action of phosphorus pentachloride on : 

(1) Diethyl ether 

(2) Ethyl methyl ether

(3) Methyl phenyl ether (anisole)?

Answer 1

(1) Diethyl ether :

When diethyl ether is heated with ethyl methyl ether, ethyl chloride is formed.

(2) Ethyl methyl ether : 

When ethyl methyl ether is heated with phosphorus pentachloride, a mixture of ethyl chloride and methyl chloride is formed.

(3) Methyl phenyl ether (Anisole) : 

When methyl phenyl ether is heated with phosphorus pentachloride, a mixture of methyl chloride, chlorobenzene is formed.