Question

Which functional group is present in a molecule of $C{{H}_{3}}OC{{H}_{2}}C{{H}_{3}}$?
(A) Ether
(B) Carboxyl
(C) Ketone
(D) Aldehyde
(E) Ester

Answer 1

To solve this question we first need to know what functional groups are. A functional group can be defined as the moiety or substance that affects and changes the characteristics of the chemical reaction of a molecule.

Complete answer:
To determine which functional group is present in the molecule $C{{H}_{3}}OC{{H}_{2}}C{{H}_{3}}$, let us understand and look at the structural formulas of all the functional groups given in the options.
(A) Ether - Organic compounds in which two alkyl or aryl groups are attached to an oxygen atom. Its general structure is as follows.

Here, R and R' are either alkyl groups or aryl groups.

(B) Carboxyl - Organic acid compounds in which an alkyl or aryl group and a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) are attached to the carbonyl (-C=O) functional group. Its general structure is as follows.

Here, R is either an alkyl group or an aryl group.

(C) Ketone - Organic compounds in which two alkyl or aryl groups are attached to a carbonyl functional group (-C=O). Its general structure is as follows.

Here, R and R' are either alkyl groups or aryl groups.

(D) Aldehyde - Organic compounds in which an alkyl or aryl group and a hydrogen atom are attached to the carbonyl functional group (-C=O). Its general structure is as follows.

Here, R is either an alkyl group or an aryl group.

(E) Ester - Organic compounds in which an alkyl or aryl group and an alkoxy functional group (-OR) are attached to the carbonyl functional group (-C=O). Its general structure is as follows.

Here, R and R' are either alkyl groups or aryl groups.
In the $C{{H}_{3}}OC{{H}_{2}}C{{H}_{3}}$ molecule, a methyl group and an ethyl group are attached to an oxygen atom.

So, from the above structures of the functional groups, we can say that the molecule $C{{H}_{3}}OC{{H}_{2}}C{{H}_{3}}$ is an option (A) ether.

Note:
It should be noted that the name of the molecule $C{{H}_{3}}OC{{H}_{2}}C{{H}_{3}}$ is ethyl methyl ether. It can also be called methoxy ethane.

It is a highly flammable colorless gas and has a medicine-like odor. Inhalation of this gas might cause dizziness or asphyxiation.