Final answer:
Epoxides can be named systematically through IUPAC nomenclature as oxiranes, with numbering starting from the oxygen atom, or through common names by taking the corresponding alkene name and adding 'oxide' at the end.
Step-by-step explanation:
The systematic ways to name epoxides are through IUPAC nomenclature and common naming conventions. In IUPAC nomenclature, epoxides are named as oxiranes with the parent carbon chain having the oxygen of the epoxy group receiving the lowest possible number. For simplicity, numbering typically starts from the oxygen atom. An example would be naming the simplest epoxide as oxirane, which follows this IUPAC rule.
Alternatively, one can use a common naming approach where the compound is named as an alkene oxide. For instance, ethylene oxide could refer to the simplest epoxide structure. In this approach, epoxides often take the name of the corresponding alkene, with the addition of the word 'oxide' to indicate the presence of the three-membered epoxy ring.
These systematic naming protocols aid in ensuring consistency and clarity when referring to chemical compounds in both academic and professional settings.