esters

Compounds formally derived from an oxoacidRkE(=O)l(OH)m, (l ≠ 0) and an alcohol, phenol, heteroarenol, or enol by linking with formal loss of water from an acidic hydroxy group of the former and a hydroxy group of the latter. By extension acyl derivatives of alcohols, etc. Acyl derivatives of chalcogen analogues of alcohols (thiols, selenols, tellurols) etc. are included. E.g. R'C(=O)(OR) , R'C(=S)(OR) , R'C(=O)(SR) , R'S(=O)2(OR) , (HO)2P(=O)(OR) , (R'S)2C(=O) , ROCN (but not R–NCO ) (RH).
Note:
O-Alkyl derivatives of other acidic compounds [see amides (1)] may be named as esters but do not belong to the class esters proper. E.g. (Ph)2POCH3 methyl diphenylphosphinite.
See also: acylals, ortho esters, depsides, depsipeptides, glycerides, lactides, lactones, macrolides
Source:
PAC, 1995, 67, 1307 (Glossary of class names of organic compounds and reactivity intermediates based on structure (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)) on page 1334