The correct structure of methyl ethanoate is?

Question

A

B

C

D

E

Answer 1

Methyl ethanoate would be the ester formed between ethanoic acid (acetic acid) and methanol.

ethanoic acid (acetic acid) = CH3COOH

methanol (methyl alcohol) = CH3OH

CH3COOH + CH3OH ==> CH3COOCH3 + H2O

Looks like option B is the correct structure

Answer 2

“-oate” is the suffix that is used when naming esters, which have the formula R-COO-R’

When it comes to naming esters, the first half of the name corresponds to the carbon chain attached directly to the oxygen, while the second half corresponds to the carbon chain attached to the carbonyl carbon. 

In this example, “methyl” means that there is one CH3 group attached directly to the oxygen. “Ethanoate” means that there is one CH3 group attached to the carbonyl carbon. 

Therefore, the best answer would be B.

I hope this helps! Please message me in the comments if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!