Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the ester with the structure ${\mathrm{CH}}_3-\mathrm{COO}-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$?

• A. Propyl methanoate
• B. Methyl propanoate
• C. Ethyl methanoate
• D. Ethyl ethanoate

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two parts of the ester: the alkyl group (from the alcohol) and the acyl group (from the carboxylic acid). The general ester structure is R'–COO–R, where R' is the acyl part and R is the alkyl part.
2. Look at the given structure: CH3–COO–CH2–CH3. The part before the COO is CH3–CO–, which corresponds to the acyl group derived from acetic acid (ethanoic acid).
3. The part after the COO is CH2–CH3, which is an ethyl group derived from ethanol.
4. Name the ester by first naming the alkyl group (from the alcohol) and then the acid part as a carboxylate. So, the alkyl group is 'ethyl' and the acid part is 'ethanoate'.
5. Combine the names to get the correct IUPAC name: 'ethyl ethanoate'.