An organic compound containing an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups (R-O-R'). Ethers are relatively unreactive, good solvents, and have characteristic sweet odors. Diethyl ether (CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃) was historically used as an anesthetic.
Other Names / Synonyms: Alkoxyalkane, Dialkyl ether, Oxacyclopropane (epoxide type)
Properties & Characteristics
Oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups. Relatively inert: do not react with metals, dilute acids or bases (unlike alcohols). Slight polarity from C−O bonds but low boiling point. Diethyl ether bp 35°C — very volatile and flammable. Cleaved by HI or HBr at high temperature/pressure. Crown ethers complex metal cations. THF (tetrahydrofuran) and dioxane: cyclic ethers used as polar aprotic solvents. Epoxides (cyclic 3-membered ring ethers): highly reactive toward nucleophiles. Diethyl ether forms explosive peroxides on exposure to air and light.
Uses & Applications
Diethyl ether: historical anesthetic (replaced by safer alternatives), excellent solvent for Grignard reactions. THF: important polar aprotic solvent for organolithium, Grignard, and other reactions. Dimethyl ether: refrigerant, aerosol propellant, clean diesel fuel additive. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE): gasoline oxygenate (now restricted due to groundwater contamination). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethers: pharmaceutical excipients, cosmetics, laxatives. Epoxides: versatile intermediates in synthesis of pharmaceuticals and polymers.
Safety Information
CRITICAL: Diethyl ether and THF form EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES on prolonged storage in air/light — test for peroxides before use; do not evaporate to dryness if peroxides suspected. Diethyl ether flash point −45°C — extremely flammable; ban from open flames. Vapors heavier than air — ignition risk even at considerable distance from source. THF: slightly less hazardous but still flammable. MTBE: groundwater contaminant. Test all old ether samples with peroxide test strips before use.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
An organic compound containing an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups (R-O-R'). Ethers are relatively unreactive, good solvents, and have characteristic sweet odors. Diethyl ether (CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃) was historically used as an anesthetic.
Diethyl ether: historical anesthetic (replaced by safer alternatives), excellent solvent for Grignard reactions. THF: important polar aprotic solvent for organolithium, Grignard, and other reactions. Dimethyl ether: refrigerant, aerosol propellant, clean diesel fuel additive. Methyl tert-butyl ether…
CRITICAL: Diethyl ether and THF form EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES on prolonged storage in air/light — test for peroxides before use; do not evaporate to dryness if peroxides suspected. Diethyl ether flash point −45°C — extremely flammable; ban from open flames. Vapors heavier than air — ignition risk even at…
The formula or notation for Ether is: R−O−R' | (C₂H₅)₂O (diethyl ether) | CH₃OCH₃ (dimethyl ether)
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
