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Which functional group is represented by the following structure: CH3-CH2-O-CH3?

easy MCQ 1 mark Class 11 · Chemistry · Organic Chemistry Some Basic Principles and Techniques
  1. alcohol
  2. ether
  3. ester
  4. carboxylic acid
Answer
ether

The correct answer is ether — Therefore the structure corresponds to an ether.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the atom bonded to two alkyl groups: the central oxygen is bonded to two carbon atoms, which is characteristic of an ether.
  2. Recall that alcohols have the –OH group directly bonded to carbon, whereas ethers have an oxygen bonded to two alkyl groups.
  3. Therefore the structure corresponds to an ether.
Common mistake: Confusing an ether with an alcohol because both contain oxygen

Concept tested: Functional group identification

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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