Select the common name for the following ether. dicyclohexyl ether cyclohexoxy cyclohexane cyclohexyl ether cyclohexyloxycyclohexane
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct common name for the following ether is dicyclohexyl ether.
Explanation
The molecule shown in the image is an ether, which is an organic compound characterized by an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups (R-O-R’). To determine the common name of an ether, we follow a specific set of rules.
First, identify the two groups attached to the central oxygen atom. In this structure, the oxygen atom is bonded to two separate six-membered saturated rings. Each of these rings is a cyclohexyl group, derived from cyclohexane.
The common naming convention for ethers involves naming the two groups attached to the oxygen alphabetically and adding the word “ether” at the end. However, when the two groups are identical, as in this case, we use the prefix “di-” to indicate that there are two of the same group.
Following this rule:
- The alkyl group is “cyclohexyl”.
- Since there are two identical cyclohexyl groups, we use the prefix “di-“.
- Combining these gives “dicyclohexyl”.
- Finally, we add the word “ether” to denote the functional group.
This results in the common name dicyclohexyl ether.
Let’s consider the other options. “Cyclohexoxy cyclohexane” is the systematic (IUPAC) name for this compound, where one cyclohexyl group and the oxygen are treated as a “cyclohexoxy” substituent on the other cyclohexane parent chain. The question specifically asks for the common name, making this option incorrect. “Cyclohexyl ether” is incomplete as it fails to account for both cyclohexyl groups. “Cyclohexyloxycyclohexane” is an incorrectly formed name. Therefore, “dicyclohexyl ether” is the only correct choice for the common name.
