Ether
An ether has an oxygen atom bonded to two carbons via single bonds — unlike an alcohol, the ether's oxygen carries no hydrogen at all. They're generally unreactive, which is why they're widely used as solvents.
General formula
R–O–R'
Naming rule
Systematic name = [smaller radical]-oxy + [larger radical chain]-ane (e.g., methoxyethane). The functional class name (ethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether) is also widely accepted.
Examples
| Name | Formula |
|---|---|
| Methoxyethane (methyl ethyl ether) | CH₃–O–C₂H₅ |
| Ethoxyethane (ethyl ether) | C₂H₅–O–C₂H₅ |