What is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the molecular formula ${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}O{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3$?

• A. Ethoxyethane
• B. Dimethyl ether
• C. 1-Methoxypropane
• D. Methoxypropane

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula given: CH3OCH2CH3. This represents an ether with an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl groups.
2. Recognize that ethers are named by identifying the two alkyl groups attached to the oxygen and then adding the word 'ether' or using the alkoxy substituent naming system.
3. In the common naming system, the two alkyl groups are named alphabetically followed by 'ether'. Here, the groups are methyl (CH3-) and ethyl (CH3CH2-), so the common name is 'Ethoxyethane'.
4. In the IUPAC naming system, one alkyl group is chosen as the parent chain, and the other alkyl group attached to oxygen is named as an alkoxy substituent. The longer chain is propane (3 carbons), and the methoxy group (OCH3) is the substituent.
5. Therefore, the correct IUPAC name is 'Methoxypropane', indicating a propane chain with a methoxy substituent attached.