Description
Diethyl ether, also known simply as ether, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C2H5)2O or C4H10O. It consists of two ethyl groups connected by an oxygen atom, forming a colorless, highly volatile, and flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet, pungent odor.
Key physical and chemical properties include:
Molecular formula: C4H10O
Molecular weight: 74.12 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Boiling point: 34.6 °C
Melting point: -116 °C
Density: Approximately 0.713 - 0.714 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~6.9% at 20 °C); miscible with ethanol, acetone, and many organic solvents
Vapor pressure: High, about 439.8 mm Hg at 20 °C
Flash point: Approximately -40 °F (-40 °C)
Odor: Sweet, ether-like
Diethyl ether is widely used as a solvent in laboratories due to its excellent ability to dissolve a range of organic compounds. It was historically important as a general anesthetic but has largely been replaced by safer alternatives today. It is highly flammable and volatile, requiring careful storage and handling away from any ignition sources. Its chemical structure consists of an oxygen atom bonded to two ethyl groups, causing it to be relatively non-polar but with slight polarity due to the oxygen, resulting in its solubility characteristics.
In summary:
Diethyl ether is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid used as a solvent and former anesthetic.
It has low boiling and melting points and a sweet pungent odor.
Chemical formula (C2H5)2O, molecular weight 74.12 g/mol.
Highly flammable with a low flash point, requiring careful handling and storage.