What is the structure of dimethyl ether?

Dimethyl ether is an ether with the molecular formula C₂H₆O, which indicates that it consists of two methyl groups (CH₃) connected by an oxygen atom. The correct structure is represented as CH₃O-CH₃.

In this structure, each methyl group is represented by a CH₃ and they are bonded to a single oxygen atom. Ethers are characterized by having an oxygen atom between two carbon-containing groups, and in the case of dimethyl ether, both groups are methyl groups. This makes it a simple ether known for its uses as a solvent and an important chemical intermediate.

The other structures provided do not correctly depict dimethyl ether. For instance, one shows a carbon chain with an oxygen at one end, characteristic of an alcohol or a different ether structure, while others present different configurations that do not maintain the proper ether functional group setup with the methyl groups.