Nomenclature of Ethers: Naming CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₂CH₃

What is the correct name of the ether CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₂CH₃?

A. methyl ethyl ether

B. ethyl propyl ether

C. diethyl ether

D. methyl propyl ether

Answer:

The correct name of the ether CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₂CH₃ is ethyl propyl ether. The groups are named in alphabetical order. So, the correct answer is B. ethyl propyl ether.

The compound CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₂CH₃ is an ether. In the nomenclature of ethers, we name the groups attached to the oxygen in alphabetical order. We start by naming the two alkyl groups bonded to the oxygen atom. Ethers are a class of compounds that contain an ether group—an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups.

Looking at the specified molecule, one side of the oxygen has an ethyl group (CH₃CH₂-) while the other side has a propyl group (CH₂CH₂CH₃). Thus, when these groups are named in alphabetical order, we get ethyl propyl ether.