The R-O-R' bond angle is near what Is dimethyl ether harmful? anticipated in a tetrahedral geometry. The bond angle of dimethyl ether is 112o which is larger than the H-O-H bond angle in water (104.5o) due to the steric repulsion of the methyl groups. The presence of an electronegative oxygen atom provides ethers a small dipole second. Ethers, unlike alcohols, have no hydrogen atom on the oxygen atom (that's, no OH group). Dimethyl ether can be used as a propellant, foaming agent, solvent, extractant,