Simple alcohols are named as derivatives of the parent alkane, using the suffix -ol, using the following simple rules:

1. Select the longest continuous carbon chain, containing the hydroxyl group, and derive the parent name by replacing the -e ending with -ol.
2. Number the carbon chain, beginning at the end nearest to the hydroxyl group.
3. Number the substituents and write the name, listing substituents alphabetically.

Some Examples:

Alcohols are also known by a wide variety of common names, some of which are given below:

Simple ethers are named either by identifying the two organic residues and adding the word ether, or, if other functionality is present, the ether residue is named as an alkoxy substituent, as shown below:

Some Examples: