Ethyl ether

Ethyl Ether

Ethyl ether, also known as diethyl ether, is a colorless, highly volatile flammable liquid. It is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and as a starting fluid for some engines. It was formerly used as a general anesthetic, until non-flammable drugs were developed, such as halothane. It has a pungent smell, similar to that of ethanol. Diethyl ether is a common laboratory solvent. It has limited solubility in water and dissolves 1.5 g/100 ml water at 25 °C. This, along 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.

History

Ethyl ether was first synthesized in 1540 by Valerius Cordus, who called it "sweet oil of vitriol" (oleum dulcis vitrioli) and noted its medicinal properties. It was used as a popular surgical anesthetic from the 1840s until the early 20th century.

Production

Ethyl ether is produced from ethanol through the process of ether synthesis, specifically, acid ether synthesis. The process involves the reaction of ethanol with a strong acid, typically sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The reaction is as follows:

C2H5OH + H2SO4 → C2H5OC2H5 + H2O

Properties

Ethyl ether is a highly flammable liquid with a flash point of −45 °C and an autoignition temperature of 160 °C. It is colorless and has a characteristic odor. It is less dense than water and is slightly soluble in water.

Uses

Ethyl ether has a variety of uses, including as a solvent, anesthetic, and starting fluid. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was commonly used as a general anesthetic, until it was replaced by safer and non-flammable anesthetics. Today, it is primarily used as a solvent in laboratories and in the production of cellulose plastics.

Safety

Due to its high flammability and potential health hazards, ethyl ether is considered a dangerous material and must be handled with care. It can form peroxides upon exposure to oxygen and light, which can lead to explosive situations.

See Also

• Ether
• Anesthesia
• Solvent
• Ether synthesis