Spectroscopic analysis of ethers and epoxides:

The IR spectra of ethers are characterized through C-O stretching absorptions. An aliphatic ether apt to have an absorption in the region 1150-1070 cm^-1 that is often stronger than surrounding peaks.  Alkyl aryl ethers tend to provide two comparatively strong absorptions, one in the region 1275-1200 cm^-1 and another in the region 1075-1020 cm^-1. The C-O stretching absorption for epoxides takes place in the region 1260-1200 cm^-1. C-O Stretching absorptions are as well possible for carboxylic acids and esters, also for alcohols and phenols.

Hence it is significant to consider other proof before deciding whether an ether or epoxide is present. For instance, if the molecular formula just only has one oxygen, this rules out the chance of an acid or an ester.

If there are in the phenols no D₂O exchangeable protons. ¹H nmr spectrum, this rules out phenols and alcohols.

The ¹H and 13C nmr spectra of an ether do not give direct proof of the functional group but may point out its existence indirectly by the chemical shifts of neighboring groups. For instance, the methyl group of methyl ether appears at 3.3 ppm in the ¹H spectrum and at 59 ppm in the ¹³C spectrum.

The protons of an epoxide depict characteristic signals at 2.5-3.5 ppm in the ¹H nmr spectrum.