Diethyl ether

Diethyl ether, also known as ether or ethyl ether, is an organic compound with the formula C4H10O, (CH3CH2)2O, or (C2H5)2O[1][2]. It is a colorless, highly volatile, sweet-smelling liquid with an "ethereal odor"[1]. Diethyl ether is extremely flammable and may form explosive vapor/air mixtures[1]. It is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and as a starting fluid for some engines[1].

Uses

Diethyl ether is particularly important as a solvent in the production of cellulose plastics such as cellulose acetate. It has a high cetane number of 85–96 and, in combination with petroleum distillates for gasoline and diesel engines, is used as a starting fluid because of its high volatility and low flash point. Ether starting fluid is sold and used in countries with cold climates, as it can help with cold starting an engine at sub-zero temperatures.

Chemistry

Diethyl ether is a hard Lewis base that reacts with a variety of Lewis acids such as iodine, phenol, and trimethylaluminium. It has limited solubility in water (6.05 g/(100 ml) at 25 °C) and dissolves 1.5 g/(100 g) (1.0 g/(100 ml)) water at 25 °C. This, coupled with its high volatility, makes it ideal for use as the non-polar solvent in liquid-liquid extraction. When used with an aqueous solution, the diethyl ether layer is on top as it has a lower density than the water. It is also a common solvent for the Grignard reaction in addition to other reactions involving organometallic reagents.

Safety and Stability

Diethyl ether is extremely flammable and may form explosive vapor/air mixtures[1]. Since ether is heavier than air, it can collect low to the ground, and the vapor may travel considerable distances to ignition sources[1]. Ether will ignite if exposed to an open flame, though due to its high flammability, an open flame is not required for ignition[1]. Other possible ignition sources include – but are not limited to – hot plates, steam pipes, and electrical sparks[1].

Regulatory Information

Diethyl ether is listed in the Table II precursor under the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances as well as substances such as acetone, toluene, and sulfuric acid. It is also regulated under the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List[3].

Alternate Chemical Names

Diethyl ether is also known by several other names, including Aether, Anaesthetic Ether, Anesthesia Ether, Diethyl Oxide, Ethane, 1,1'-oxybis-, Ether, Ethoxyethane, Ethyl Oxide, 3-Oxapentane, 1,1'-oxybisethane, Pronarcol, Solvent Ether, and Sulfuric Ether[3].

Chemical Identifiers

Diethyl ether has a CAS number of 60-29-7, a UN/NA number of UN1155, and a DOT hazard label indicating it is a flammable liquid[3][4]. It is also classified under the NFPA 704 diamond with a health hazard rating of 1, a flammability rating of 4, an instability rating of 1, and a special rating of[3].

Hazards

Diethyl ether is highly flammable and can oxidize readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously[3]. It is also a peroxidizable compound, and air and water reactions can be hazardous[3]. Vapor inhalation may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness, while contact with eyes will be irritating[3]. Skin contact from clothing wet with the chemical may cause burns[3].

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diethyl_ether

[2] https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/substance/diethylether741260297

[3] https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/696

[4] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Diethyl-Ether

[5] https://lab.honeywell.com/shop/diethyl-ether-31701