methoxyethane @ ethoxymethane

[denian]

just a simple question

CH3CH2--O--CH3

can this be named ethoxymethane instead of methoxyethane??

[KnowledgeIsPower]

Not really, you always take the 'stem' from the longest carbon chain.
If you named it like you asked people would have the right idea what you meant, but it might be risky in an exam and it doesn't conform to organic chemistry naming principles.

[denian]

ooh. thank you for the information. im just a bit confused with the naming of ether. now im clear. thanks.