Provide the name for the following ether.

• A. tert-butyl pentyl ether
• B. sec-butyl pentyl ether
• C. sec-butyl pentanoate
• D. pentyl sec-butyl ether

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the longest carbon chain on either side of the oxygen atom in the ether structure. In this case, there is a five-carbon chain (pentyl group) and a four-carbon chain with a branching (butyl group).
2. Determine the type of butyl group present. The four-carbon chain is attached to the oxygen at the second carbon, making it a sec-butyl group.
3. Name the ether by listing the alkyl groups in alphabetical order followed by the word 'ether'. Here, 'pentyl' comes before 'sec-butyl' alphabetically.
4. Combine the names of the alkyl groups with 'ether' to form the complete name: 'pentyl sec-butyl ether'.
5. Verify the structure matches the name by ensuring the correct number of carbons and the correct branching are represented in the name.