Give common names for the following compounds.
(a) (CH₃)₂CHOCH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃
(b) (CH₃)₃COCH₂CH(CH₃)₂
(c) PhOCH₂CH₃
(d) ClCH₂OCH₂CH₂CH₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the functional group in each compound. For all the given compounds, the functional group is an ether (R-O-R), where an oxygen atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.
2. Step 2: For each compound, determine the names of the alkyl or aryl groups attached to the oxygen atom. Use the common naming convention for ethers, which involves naming the two groups on either side of the oxygen atom in alphabetical order, followed by the word 'ether'.
3. Step 3: For compound (a) ((CH3)2CHOCH(CH3)CH2CH3), identify the two groups attached to the oxygen atom. The left side is an isopropyl group ((CH3)2CH-), and the right side is a sec-butyl group (CH(CH3)CH2CH3). Combine these names alphabetically to form the common name.
4. Step 4: For compound (b) ((CH3)3COCH2CH(CH3)2), identify the two groups attached to the oxygen atom. The left side is a tert-butyl group ((CH3)3C-), and the right side is an isopropyl group ((CH3)2CH-). Combine these names alphabetically to form the common name.
5. Step 5: Repeat the process for compounds (c) (PhOCH2CH3) and (d) (ClCH2OCH2CH2CH3). For (c), the left side is a phenyl group (Ph-), and the right side is an ethyl group (CH2CH3). For (d), the left side is a chloromethyl group (ClCH2-), and the right side is a propyl group (CH2CH2CH3). Combine these names alphabetically to form the common names.

Key Concepts

Common Nomenclature in Organic Chemistry

Common nomenclature refers to the system of naming organic compounds using widely accepted names rather than systematic IUPAC names. This includes names that are derived from the structure and functional groups present in the molecule, making it easier for chemists to communicate about compounds without needing to refer to complex formulas.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. Identifying functional groups, such as alcohols, ethers, or halides, is crucial for determining the common names of compounds, as they often dictate the naming conventions used.

Isomerism

Isomerism is the phenomenon where compounds with the same molecular formula can have different structures or arrangements of atoms, leading to different properties and names. Understanding isomerism is essential for correctly identifying and naming compounds, as structural variations can significantly affect the common names assigned to them.