Question

Select the IUPAC name for the ether.

1) Methoxyethane
2) Ethanol
3) Methanol
4) Ethylamine

Answer 1

The IUPAC name for the ether is Methoxyethane, as it consists of an ethoxy group attached to an ethane chain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct IUPAC name for the ether is Methoxyethane. In the nomenclature of ethers according to the IUPAC system, the oxygen atom and the smaller carbon branch are named as an alkoxy substituent, and the remainder of the molecule is named as the base chain, similar to alkanes. When the smaller alkyl group linked to the oxygen is a methyl group (CH3) and the larger branch is ethane (C2H5), the compound is named Methoxyethane. The common name for this compound can alternatively be ethylmethyl ether, but for IUPAC naming, Methoxyethane is used as it clearly identifies the structure of the molecule.