diethylæter

Diethyl ether, or ethoxyethane, is a colorless, highly volatile organic liquid with a distinctive sweet odor. It has a low boiling point of about 34 degrees Celsius and is extremely flammable. It is relatively insoluble in water but dissolves readily in many organic solvents. Vapors can travel and ignite from distant sources, and the compound can form explosive organic peroxides if stored in air for extended periods unless stabilizers are used.

Industrial production typically proceeds by acid-catalyzed dehydration of ethanol: 2 C2H5OH → (C2H5)2O + H2O, usually with sulfuric acid or another strong acid at elevated temperature. The ether is separated by distillation, and water and other by-products are removed. Because peroxide formation is a hazard, stabilizers are often added, and storage practices emphasize dark, vented containers away from heat and oxidizers.

Uses include serving as a versatile nonpolar solvent in laboratories and industry. It is employed for extraction of fats, oils, waxes, and natural products, and as a solvent in various organic syntheses, including Grignard reactions. Historically, diethyl ether was used as a general anesthetic, contributing to early advances in surgery; today it is generally avoided for anesthesia due to safety concerns, but it remains in use as a laboratory solvent.

Safety and handling: diethyl ether is highly flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Inhalation or ingestion can depress the central nervous system and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness; skin or eye contact may cause irritation. Proper storage, ventilation, and the use of stabilizers to deter peroxide formation are important. Occupational exposure guidelines apply in many jurisdictions.