Methoxyethane: Understanding the IUPAC Naming System

IUPAC Naming System

The IUPAC name for the compound CH₂OCH₂CH3 is methoxyethane.

The IUPAC naming system is a standardized way of naming chemical compounds based on their molecular structure. It ensures uniformity and clarity in chemical nomenclature.

When naming organic compounds using the IUPAC system, the longest carbon chain is identified as the parent chain, and any substituents or functional groups are named accordingly.

In the case of CH₂OCH₂CH3, the longest carbon chain consists of 3 carbons. The ethane part of the name indicates a two-carbon chain, while the methoxy group (CH3O) is attached to the second carbon.

Therefore, the correct IUPAC name for CH₂OCH₂CH3 is methoxyethane.