D

Diethyl ether

IUPAC: ethoxyethane

C4H10O Solvents CAS 60-29-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H10O
CAS Number60-29-7
Molecular Weight74.12
Melting Point-177.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point94.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.714 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceDiethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an anesthetic odor. Flash point -49 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than a...
Also Known Asethoxyethane; ether; Ethyl ether; Ethoxyethane; 60-29-7; Ethyl oxide; Pronarcol; Diethyl oxide; Aether; Anesthetic ether
CategorySolvents

What is Diethyl ether?

Diethyl ether is an ether in which the oxygen atom is linked to two ethyl groups. It has a role as an inhalation anaesthetic, a non-polar solvent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound and an ether.

Formula & Notation

C4H10O

IUPAC Name: ethoxyethane

Other Names / Synonyms: ethoxyethane; ether; Ethyl ether; Ethoxyethane; 60-29-7; Ethyl oxide; Pronarcol; Diethyl oxide; Aether; Anesthetic ether

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Diethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an anesthetic odor. Flash point -49 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than a.... Molecular formula: C4H10O. Molecular weight: 74.12 g/mol. Boiling point: 94.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -177.3 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.714 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 442 mmHg at 68 °F ; 760 mmHg at 94.3 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-177.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point94.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.714 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight74.12
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceDiethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an anesthetic odor. Flash point -49 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than a...

Uses & Applications

Used as a reaction solvent in organic synthesis, extraction solvent, cleaning agent, or in pharmaceutical manufacture.

Safety Information

Flammable solvent. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Use in well-ventilated area or fume hood. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Diethyl ether
Formula C4H10O
CAS Number 60-29-7
Molecular Weight 74.12
Category Solvents
Synonyms ethoxyethane; ether; Ethyl ether; Ethoxyethane; 60-29-7; Ethyl oxide; Pronarcol; Diethyl oxide; Aether; Anesthetic ether

Frequently Asked Questions

Diethyl ether is an ether in which the oxygen atom is linked to two ethyl groups. It has a role as an inhalation anaesthetic, a non-polar solvent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound and an ether.

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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.