History
-Diethyl ether is a solvent created from ethanol when it is heated through concentration.
-The creator of the substance is unknown but some believe it was created by Jābir ibn Hayyān in the 8th century.
-It was made by mixing ethanol and sulfuric acid
-Paracelsus discovered it had anesthetic properties when tested on animals
-It was named ether by August Frobenius in 1729
-Reaction: CH3CH2OH + H3O+ → CH3CH2OH2+ + H2O
-C4H10O
Uses:
-It is used in laboratories for liquid-liquid extractions
(transferring one or more solute into a solvent in liquid form)
-General anesthetic for surgeries in hospitals
-Used to extract fats and oils from the body
-Used to harden animal tissue so that they are able to be dissected
Hazards:
-Highly flammable when in a hot area or near flame
-Oxidizes easily in air which forms unstable peroxides which are prone to explode on contact.
This occurred in several hospitals where diethyl ether caused many fires and few small explosions.
-Diethyl ether is also toxic if ingested.
-Skin and eye irritant
Preparation and Preservation:
-Can be prepared in laboratories or through the acid ether synthesis
-It is preserved in cold cupboards or closets or refrigerated
-It can also be preserved on sheet ice in labs
-Diethyl ether is a solvent created from ethanol when it is heated through concentration.
-The creator of the substance is unknown but some believe it was created by Jābir ibn Hayyān in the 8th century.
-It was made by mixing ethanol and sulfuric acid
-Paracelsus discovered it had anesthetic properties when tested on animals
-It was named ether by August Frobenius in 1729
-Reaction: CH3CH2OH + H3O+ → CH3CH2OH2+ + H2O
-C4H10O
Uses:
-It is used in laboratories for liquid-liquid extractions
(transferring one or more solute into a solvent in liquid form)
-General anesthetic for surgeries in hospitals
-Used to extract fats and oils from the body
-Used to harden animal tissue so that they are able to be dissected
Hazards:
-Highly flammable when in a hot area or near flame
-Oxidizes easily in air which forms unstable peroxides which are prone to explode on contact.
This occurred in several hospitals where diethyl ether caused many fires and few small explosions.
-Diethyl ether is also toxic if ingested.
-Skin and eye irritant
Preparation and Preservation:
-Can be prepared in laboratories or through the acid ether synthesis
-It is preserved in cold cupboards or closets or refrigerated
-It can also be preserved on sheet ice in labs