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Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 83b

Name each ether. b.

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1
Identify the longest carbon chain in the ether molecule. This chain will serve as the parent hydrocarbon.
Determine the alkoxy group, which is the shorter carbon chain attached to the oxygen atom. This group will be named as an alkoxy substituent.
Name the alkoxy group by replacing the '-ane' ending of the alkane name with '-oxy'. For example, a one-carbon group is 'methoxy', a two-carbon group is 'ethoxy', etc.
Combine the names of the alkoxy group and the parent hydrocarbon. The alkoxy group name is placed before the name of the parent hydrocarbon.
Ensure the name follows IUPAC naming conventions, and check for any additional substituents or branches that may need to be included in the name.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ethers

Ethers are a class of organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. They have the general formula R-O-R', where R and R' can be the same or different hydrocarbon chains. Ethers are known for their relatively low reactivity and are commonly used as solvents in organic chemistry.
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Nomenclature of Ethers

The nomenclature of ethers follows specific rules set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Ethers are typically named by identifying the two alkyl groups attached to the oxygen atom, followed by the word 'ether.' For example, the ether formed from ethyl and methyl groups is named ethyl methyl ether.
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Common Ethers

Some common examples of ethers include diethyl ether, which is often used as a solvent, and tetrahydrofuran (THF), a cyclic ether used in various chemical reactions. Recognizing these common ethers and their applications can aid in understanding their significance in both laboratory and industrial settings.
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