Ether Nomenclature – Formula, Types, Steps Proposed by IUPAC in Naming Ethers

Ether Nomenclature

An ether is a type of organic compound that has two alkyl groups bonded to an oxygen atom. The formula of an ether is R-O-R’. Ethers are classified as polar molecules because the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon atoms. This makes the oxygen atom the negative end of the molecule and the alkyl groups the positive end. There are two types of nomenclature for ethers: IUPAC and common. IUPAC nomenclature is the standard system for naming molecules. It uses prefixes and suffixes to indicate the type of molecule. Common names are the names that are used in everyday language to describe molecules. They are usually easier to remember than IUPAC names.

Types

There are three main types of ethers: alkyl ethers, aryl ethers, and polyethers. Alkyl ethers are the most common type of ether, and they are simply organic compounds in which an alkyl group bonded to an oxygen atom. For example, diethyl ether, CH_3-CH_2-O-CH_2-CH_3, is an alkyl ether. Aryl ethers are ethers in which an aryl group is bonded to an oxygen atom. For example, phenyl ether, C_6H_5-O-C_6H_5, is an aryl ether. Polyethers are compounds in which two or more ether groups bonded to each other. For example, poly(ethylene oxide), CH_2-O-CH_2-O-CH_2-O, is a polyether.

Ethers are named using the IUPAC nomenclature system. The first step is to identify the alkyl or aryl group bonded to the oxygen atom. This group then given a location number, and the ether named by listing the alkyl or aryl group, followed by the word “ether” and the location number. For example, diethyl ether would be named as “ethyl 2-ether” and phenyl ether would named as “phenyl 1-ether”. If there is more than one alkyl or aryl group bonded to the oxygen atom, the groups listed in alphabetical order. For example, triethyl ether would named as “ethyl 3-ether”.

Symmetrical Ether

The symmetrical ether a model of the ether that believed to be symmetrical in all directions. This means that the ether thought to be the same in all directions, and that it does not favor any particular direction. However this model proposed by Augustin Fresnel in 1818, and it is still the most popular model of the ether today.

Asymmetrical Ether

Asymmetrical ether is a type of ether that has an uneven distribution of electrons. This type of ether is unstable and can be explosive. It is also more conductive than other types of ether, making it a good choice for electrical applications.

Steps Proposed by IUPAC in Naming Ethers

Ether nomenclature steps proposed by IUPAC in naming ethers are as follows:

1. Determine the parent hydride from which the ether derives. The parent hydride is the largest and most complex hydride group in the molecule.
2. Add the suffix “-oxy-” to the parent hydride name.
3. Determine the substituents present on the oxygen atom.
4. Name the substituents using the IUPAC nomenclature rules for organic compounds.
5. Place the substituent names in alphabetical order and separated by commas.
6. Add the suffix “- ether” to the end of the name.