Question
Question: What is \[ethoxy{\text{ }}methane\]?...
What is ethoxy methane?
Solution
Try to understand the above given structure from the IUPAC rules. From the name we can tell that it is an ether and has an alkane group present in it. Thus by the nomenclature we can tell the functional group of a compound.
Complete answer:
ethoxy methane is an ether. It is a mixed ether which is actually called methoxy ethane. It is represented by CH3OC2H5
Let us break down the nomenclature of the above compound and draw its structure
CH3−O−CH2−CH3
Here the root word is −eth which means that the longest chain contains two number of carbons and the bond between them is a single bond which means that they are alkane therefore it is ethane
Now as it is mentioned earlier that the functional group here is ether. Ether is a class of organic compounds that contain an ether group , an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. They have the general formula R−O−R′ where R and R ‘ represent the alkyl or aryl group. As we can see in the structure there is an oxygen atom bridging two groups. Ethers are named as alkyl alkane . Therefore the name is ethoxy methane
ethoxy methane is one form of functional isomerism exhibited by alcohol. It is composed of one methylene, two methyl groups and one oxygen atom. They are sweet smelling substances.
Note:
Functional isomers are constitutional isomers. They occur when substances have the same molecular formula but different functional groups. This means that functional isomers belong to different homologous series. Alcohols and Ethers are functional group isomers. Also aldehydes and ketones are functional isomers.