Chapter 22, Problem 111RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The condensed structures and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) names for all of the possible ethers with the general formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}\text{O}$ and their common names are to be represented.

Concept Information:

Ethers are the organic compounds with carbon atoms attached to the both sides of the oxygen atom, or we can say oxygen atom is surrounded by two aryl or alkyl groups. It is represented by $\text{R-O-R'}$.

Ethers can either be classified as symmetrical or unsymmetrical ethers. If the two alkyl groups bound to the oxygen atom are same then it is said to be symmetrical ether. If the two alkyl groups bound to the oxygen atom are different then it is said to be symmetrical ether.

The IUPAC nomenclature is a standard way of naming the synthetic compounds. It is used worldwide and is mainly devel oped by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

General rules for IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds

•Recognize the functional group in the compound to determine the suffix of the name like, -ane for alkan, -ene for alken, -yne for alkyne, -ol for alcohol etc.

•Find the longest continuous carbon chain that contains the functional group and count the number of carbon atoms in this chain to determine the prefix of the compound name like, Meth- for single carbon, eth- for 2 carbon chain, prop- for 3 carbon chain, etc.

•Number the carbons in the longest carbon chain by stating with the carbon at the end closest to the functional group.

•Look for any branched groups, name them and assign the number of the carbon atom to which the group is attached like 2,4-.