Organic Chemistry Ester Naming
In organic chemistry, the naming of ester compounds follows specific rules.

Esters are usually formed by the esterification reaction of carboxylic acids and alcohols. The naming rules are based on the corresponding carboxylic acids and alcohols. Generally, the hydrocarbon group corresponding to the alcohol part is named first, and then the acid group corresponding to the acid part is named. For example, an ester formed by the reaction of acetic acid ($CH_3COOH $) with ethanol ($C_2H_5OH $), the remaining part after the hydroxy group is removed from the ethanol is ethyl, and the remaining part after the hydroxy group is removed from the carboxylic group by acetic acid is acetate, so the ester is named ethyl acetate ($CH_3COOC_2H_5 $).

If the acid is a polyacid, such as oxalic acid ($HOOC - COOH $) reacts with ethanol, when one molecule of oxalic acid reacts with one molecule of ethanol to form hydroethyl oxalate, the naming reflects the incomplete esterification of the acid. If two molecules of ethanol react with one molecule of oxalic acid, diethyl oxalate is formed.

Another example is the ester formed by the reaction of benzoic acid ($C_6H_5COOH $) with methanol ($CH_3OH $). Methyl after the hydroxyl group is removed from the methanol, and benzoic acid after the hydroxyl group on the carboxyl group is removed. This ester is named methyl benzoate ($C_6H_5COOCH_3 $).

In the naming of complex esters, this rule is also followed, first determining the hydrocarbon group derived from the alcohol, and then determining the acid group derived from the acid, so as to accurately name the ester compound, which is essential for the study and communication of organic chemistry.