1. Common Naming System
- In common names, the names of the two alkyl or aryl groups attached to oxygen are mentioned in alphabetical order, followed by the word “ether.”
- If both groups are the same, the prefix di- is used.
Examples:
- CH₃–O–CH₃ → Dimethyl ether
- CH₃–O–C₂H₅ → Ethyl methyl ether
- C₆H₅–O–CH₃ → Methyl phenyl ether (also called anisole)
2. IUPAC Naming System
- Ethers are named as alkoxy derivatives of alkanes.
- The smaller alkyl group with oxygen is treated as an alkoxy substituent (–OR).
- The larger group is considered the parent chain.
Examples:
- CH₃–O–CH₃ → Methoxy methane
- CH₃–O–C₂H₅ → Methoxy ethane
- C₂H₅–O–C₃H₇ → Ethoxy propane
- C₆H₅–O–CH₃ → Methoxy benzene (common name: anisole)
Summary
- Common names → “Alkyl + Alkyl + Ether” (alphabetical order).
- IUPAC names → “Alkoxy + Parent alkane” (based on smaller vs. larger group).