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Why is CH3OCH2CH3 called methoxyethane? Why is not 1-methoxyethane? For ethers, how do i know whether or not to number a substituent?

User Hekmat
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Answer:

This molecule can either be named methoxyethane (since the longest chain is 2C so ethane, and it has a OCH3 group attached which we call methoxy). Or it can be named ethyl methyl ether (since there is a methyl group and an ethyl group attached to the oxygen in the center.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ethers are compounds having two alkyl or aryl groups bonded to an oxygen atom, as in the formula R1–O–R2. The ether functional group does not have a characteristic IUPAC nomenclature suffix, so it is necessary to designate it as a substituent.

User Keveman
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