Ether
An ether has an oxygen atom bonded to two carbons via single bonds — unlike an alcohol, the ether's oxygen carries no hydrogen at all. They're generally unreactive, which is why they're widely used as solvents.
General formula
Naming rule
Systematic name = [smaller radical]-oxy + [larger radical chain]-ane (e.g., methoxyethane). The functional class name (ethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether) is also widely accepted.
How to name it with IUPAC
Use this sequence to move from the structure to the systematic name:
- Choose the larger carbon chain as the parent.
- Turn the smaller side into an alkoxy prefix and name the larger chain.
- CH₃OCH₂CH₃ = methoxyethane: methoxy + ethane.
Examples
| Name | Formula |
|---|---|
| Methoxyethane (methyl ethyl ether) | CH₃–O–C₂H₅ |
| Ethoxyethane (ethyl ether) | C₂H₅–O–C₂H₅ |
Visual examples
See how the functional group appears inside the chain. Compare the drawings with the formulas in the table to practice visual recognition.
Chemical reading
Oxygen lies between two carbons and has no attached H. Ethers accept hydrogen bonds but do not donate them; many are volatile and flammable.
Properties and applications
Diethyl ether is a classic solvent and THF is a common cyclic ether; some ethers form hazardous peroxides during storage.
- Alcohol is R–OH, ether is R–O–R′, and ester has a neighboring carbonyl. CH₃–O–CH₂CH₃ is methoxyethane.
- Compare polarity, chain size, and hydrogen bonding before predicting physical properties.