Cyclic ethers are a type of organic compound characterized by a ring structure that contains oxygen atoms. These compounds are formed when the ends of a linear ether molecule bond together, creating a closed loop. Common examples include tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, which are used in various industrial applications and as solvents in laboratories. The unique ring structure of cyclic ethers gives them distinct chemical properties, making them more reactive than their linear counterparts. They can participate in various chemical reactions, such as nucleophilic substitution, and are important in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds.