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Dietyl ether, also known as diethyl oxide or ethyl ether, is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with the chemical formula (C2H5)2O. It is highly soluble in organic solvents but only sparingly soluble in water. Dietyl ether has a characteristic sweet odor and is one of the simplest ethers.

Historically, dietyl ether was widely used as an anesthetic, first introduced for surgical procedures in the mid-19th century. Its anesthetic properties are due to its ability to depress the central nervous system. However, its flammability and the development of less toxic and more controllable anesthetic agents have led to its decline in medical use.

Beyond its historical anesthetic role, dietyl ether is a common laboratory solvent. It is used in organic synthesis and for extraction purposes due to its ability to dissolve many organic compounds. Its low boiling point (34.6 °C) and volatility make it easy to remove from reaction mixtures by evaporation.

Dietyl ether is produced industrially through the dehydration of ethanol, typically using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. It is also a byproduct of the fermentation process that produces ethanol. Due to its high flammability and potential to form explosive peroxides upon exposure to air and light over time, dietyl ether requires careful handling and storage.