Question

IUPAC name of \[C{{H}_{3}}O{{C}_{2}}{{H}_{5}}\] is:
(i) Ethoxy methane
(ii) Methoxy ethane
(iii) Both (a) and (b)
(iv) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The given compound is an ether. The general name of an ether containing two alkyl groups is alkoxy alkane. To attempt this question, use the basic rules of IUPAC nomenclature to give priority to the longer chain.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us start by drawing the structure of the given compound –

Let us start naming the compound. Since the longest chain contains two carbons, our root word will be ‘-eth’. As this compound contains only single bonds, it is an ethane. Now, we check the functional group of the compound. Since there is an oxygen atom bridging two groups, it is an ether. Ethers are named as ‘alkoxy alkane’. Since, a single carbon compound is attached to the oxygen, i.e. the name becomes – methoxy ethane. Therefore, the answer is – option (b) – The IUPAC name of the given compound is methoxy ethane. Additional Information: Ether is defined as a class of organic compounds which contains two alkyl or aryl groups bridged by an oxygen atom.

Note: Students often confuse between methoxy methane and ethoxy methane. While naming IUPAC compounds, keep in mind to prefer the smaller alkyl group as the alkoxy substituent, i.e. use methoxy in the prefix and ethane in the root word