Linear Ethers

• If the ether linkage is the primary functional group, then the compound is named as an ether, using the names of the groups on either side of the oxygen:


• If there are other functional groups that take priority, the smaller side of the ether is designated as an alkoxy substituent:


• Cyclic ethers often have specific names that are used as base names:


• Epoxides in particular have several types of nomenclature.  The 3-member cyclic ether structure is an oxirane, and the compound may be named based on that.  Often, epoxides are prepared by oxidation of alkenes, and so the use of "alkene oxide" is prevalent as common nomenclature.  Finally, the oxygen linkage across two positions in an alkane may be designated as the "epoxy" functional group.