Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Ethers
Nomenclature Formula
Functional class name = alkyl alkyl ether e.g. ethyl
methyl ether

Substituent prefix = alkoxy- e.g. methoxyethane

Examples of how each of the types of nomenclature are applied are given
below. No one method is more correct than the other, but some guidance on
the common practices is given.

Note : the examples chosen are to illustrate the naming subsystem.

In practice, these examples would probably all be named as alkyl alkyl

ethers.

"Simple" ethers

If both groups are simple alkyl groups, then the ether is usually named as alkyl
alkyl ether
The alkyl groups are listed in alphabetical order
If the two alkyl groups are the same, then it's a dialkyl ether

Functional group is a simple ether, therefore use alkyl alkyl ether

First substituent is C1 alkane therefore alkyl = methyl
Second substituent is C2 alkane therefore alkyl = ethyl CH3CH2OCH3

ethyl methyl ether

Functional group is a simple ether, therefore use alkyl alkyl ether

Both substituents are C2 alkane therefore alkyl = ethyl
Since there are two alkyl groups, multipler = di CH3CH2OCH2CH3

diethyl ether
 "Intermediate" ethers

If one of the groups is more complex then the ether group is usually treated as
an alkoxy (i.e. R-O-) substituent.
The more complex group (i.e. longer chain, more branched, other substituents)
defines the root.

Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane

The longest continuous chain is C3 therefore root = prop
Substituent is C1 alkane therefore alkyl = methyl
The first point of difference rule requires numbering from the right as
CH3CH2CH2OCH3
drawn to make the group locant 1-

1-methoxypropane

Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane

The longest continuous chain is C3 therefore root = prop
Substituent is C1 alkane therefore alkyl = methyl
CH3CH(OCH3)CH3
Numbering makes the group locant 2-

2-methoxypropane

"Complex" ethers

If both groups are complex then the ether can be named using -oxa

Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane

Functional group is an ether, therefore prefix = -oxa-
The longest continuous chain (including the O) is 5 therefore root = pent
CH3OCH2CH2CH3
Numbering from the left as drawn to make the oxa group locant 2-

2-oxapentane