Which of the following molecules is an ether?

• A. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-O-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$ (dimethyl ether)
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{NH}}_2$ (methylamine)
• C. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-\mathrm{OH}$ (ethanol)
• D. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-\mathrm{COOH}$ (acetic acid)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of an ether: an ether is an organic compound where an oxygen atom is connected to two alkyl or aryl groups, represented generally as R-O-R'.
2. Examine each given molecule to identify the functional groups present:
3. 1. CH\_3-O-CH\_3 (dimethyl ether): oxygen atom bonded to two methyl groups, fitting the ether structure.
4. 2. CH\_3-NH\_2 (methylamine): contains an amino group (-NH\_2), characteristic of amines, not ethers.
5. 3. CH\_3-CH\_2-OH (ethanol): contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), characteristic of alcohols, not ethers.
6. 4. CH\_3-COOH (acetic acid): contains a carboxyl group (-COOH), characteristic of carboxylic acids, not ethers.