dietyylieetteriä

Dietyylieetteri, also known as diethyl ether or simply ether, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C₂H₅)₂O. It is a volatile, colorless, and highly flammable liquid with a distinct sweet odor. Diethyl ether is a simple ether and is miscible with most organic solvents but has limited solubility in water.

Historically, diethyl ether has been recognized for its anesthetic properties. It was one of the first general anesthetics to be used in surgery, with its anesthetic effects first demonstrated in the 1840s. While its use as a medical anesthetic has largely been superseded by newer agents that are safer and have fewer side effects, it remains a significant compound in organic chemistry.

In laboratory settings, diethyl ether is commonly employed as a solvent for fats, oils, resins, and alkaloids. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of nonpolar compounds makes it useful in extraction processes and as a reaction medium. It is also used in the production of some polymers and as a starting material for other organic syntheses. Due to its high volatility and flammability, extreme caution is required when handling diethyl ether, and it should be stored away from heat and open flames. Its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.