What are the steps used to name an ester?

The first part of the name is formed by alcohol, and the second part is formed by acid.

CH₃COOH + CH₃CH₂OH, for instance, → CH₃COOCH₂CH₃

There are two words in the name.

The name of the alcohol's alkyl group appears in the first word.

"Ethyl" is the first word if the alcohol is CH3CH2OH.

The acid's name less "-ic acid" and "-ate" is the second word.

"Ethanoate" is the second word in the name if the acid is CH3COOH (ethanolic acid).

"Ethyl ethanoate" is the ester's full name at that point.

The steps used to name an ester are:

1. Identify the parent alcohol and parent acid.
2. Name the parent alcohol with the -yl suffix and the parent acid with the -oate suffix.
3. Combine the names of the parent alcohol and parent acid, with the alcohol name preceding the acid name.
4. Use numerical prefixes to indicate the positions of substituents, if necessary.
5. Write the name as one word with no spaces or hyphens between words.