Nomenclature

It is useful to think of esters as being derived from alkanoic acids and alkanols.

Esters are named as derivatives of the corresponding alkanoic acid. The alkanol part is named first but the -ol is dropped. Next the name of the acid is added, but the -oic acid suffix is replaced by -oate.

This compound is named as methyl propanoate. Note that a space is left between the alkanol and acid portions of the name.

ETHERS

These are substances that contain two organic groups attached to the same OXYGEN atom. i.e. They contain the functional group - R – O – R’

The R groups may be aromatic or aliphatic or they may be part of a ring structure.

Some important ethers include diethyl ether (the one which is traditionally called ether) that was used as a general anesthetic, and methyl phenyl ether (commonly called anisole) which is used extensively in the perfume industry.