Consider the synthesis of an ether by reacting sodium isopropoxide with methyl iodide. In the correc — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
Consider the synthesis of an ether by reacting sodium isopropoxide with methyl iodide. In the correct IUPAC nomenclature of the resulting major organic product, what is the specific locant number assigned to the methoxy substituent on the main parent carbon chain?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Sodium isopropoxide ($(CH_3)_2CH-O^- Na^+$) attacks methyl iodide ($CH_3I$) via $S_N2$ to displace iodide, forming isopropyl methyl ether. The structure is $CH_3-CH(OCH_3)-CH_3$. The longest carbon chain is propane (3 carbons). The methoxy group is attached to the central carbon. Therefore, the IUPAC name is 2-methoxypropane, and the locant is 2.