Overview

Diethyl ether, commonly called ether and known by its IUPAC name ethoxyethane, is a clear, volatile liquid used widely as an organic solvent. It has a characteristic sweet odor and a low boiling point near 35°C, which makes it highly evaporative at room temperature. Although slightly soluble, it is largely immiscible with water and readily forms vapor-rich mixtures in air. For basic chemical data see chemical summaries and references on physical properties such as boiling point lists of boiling points and solubility notes solubility guides.

Chemical character and production

Structurally, diethyl ether is two ethyl groups joined by an oxygen atom, often written as (C2H5)2O. It is produced industrially by acid-catalyzed dehydration of ethanol or by other etherification methods; because of this relationship it can appear during ethanol processing and is sometimes inexpensive to obtain. Related information on ethanol and feedstocks is available at ethanol references. In laboratory practice diethyl ether is valued for its ability to dissolve a wide range of nonpolar and moderately polar organic compounds and for participating in common synthetic operations organic reaction guides.

Historical and social background

Ether has a long history of discovery and practical use in chemistry and medicine. In the 19th century it became the first widely used inhalational anesthetic; a public demonstration helped launch modern surgical anesthesia and greatly reduced pain during operations. Over time, safer and less flammable anesthetic agents largely replaced diethyl ether in clinical anesthesia anesthesia histories. During the same century and into the early 20th, ether was also used recreationally by inhalation or ingested in diluted drinks. Contemporary accounts describe patterns of recreational use and social factors connected with alternatives to alcoholic beverages recreational-use reports, including comparisons with alcohol alcohol references and concerns about dependence and public health addiction studies.

Modern applications

Today diethyl ether is primarily a solvent in laboratories and industry. It is commonly used for extractions, to dissolve organic reagents, and as a medium for air-sensitive chemistry where low polarity and inertness toward many reagents are useful. It remains a standard solvent in preparations involving organometallic reagents and in classical extraction techniques solvent guides and reaction manuals. Because of its volatility it is sometimes used in specialty applications where rapid evaporation is required.

Safety, hazards and handling

Diethyl ether is highly flammable and can form explosive peroxides on prolonged exposure to air and light; these features demand strict storage, handling and disposal procedures. Acute inhalation can cause dizziness, nausea and respiratory depression; with heavy exposure it can impair consciousness. Because of flammability and other risks it is treated carefully in laboratories and has largely been replaced by less hazardous anesthetic agents in medicine. For specific safety practices consult solvent-handling guidelines and regulatory summaries safety datasheets.

Key properties and notable facts

For more detailed technical data or regulatory guidance consult specialized chemical databases and safety resources chemical summaries and laboratory manuals reaction and technique guides.