How do you name an ester? I know they end in -anoate. But when you have one like CH3-C(double bond to O going downward)-O-CH3, would it be dimethyl anoate? Thanks.

Question

How do you name an ester? I know they end in -anoate.  But when you have one like CH3-C(double bond to O going downward)-O-CH3, would it be dimethyl anoate? Thanks.

smiley · Answer

Its name is methyl ethanoate.
First, you must find the carboxylate part. In your case, this is ethanoate. Next, determine what is attached to the O (not the one double bonded to C) of the carboxylate. In your case, this is CH3 and you would call this methyl. Lastly, combine the two: methyl ethanoate

Hope this helps. Cheers!