DIETHYL ETHER

DIETHYL ETHER

Brand Names : Ether; Ethyl oxide; Diethyl oxide; Sulphuric ether; Anaesthetic ether.

Diethyl ether can be prepared by heating an ethyl halide with dry sodium ethoxide (Williamson's synthesis).

On a large scale ether is produced by dehydration of ethanol or by hydration of ethylene, both processes being carried out in the presence of sulphuric acid. Alcohol reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid to form ethyl hydrogen sulphate which on heating with alcohol at high temperature yields ether and sulphuric acid.

Diethyl ether is a colourless, very mobile and volatile, highly flammable liquid with characteristic sweetish, pungent odour; b.p. 35°; taste is burning. It tends to form explosive peroxides under the influence of air and light. It is soluble in water (1 in 12-15); miscible with alcohol, chloroform, petroleum ether and fixed and volatile oils. Peroxides may be removed from ether by shaking with 5% aqueous ferrous sulphate solution. Addition of naphthols, polyphenols, aromatic amines and aminophenols has been recommended for the stabilization of ethyl ether. It is very slowly attacked by ordinary oxidizing agents. Phosphorus pentachloride has no action on it in the cold. Hot, concentrated acids may decompose it, with formation of esters or halides;

Upon longstanding in contact with air, ether peroxides are formed. Their formation is accelerated by ultraviolet light and sunlight. In well-filled containers the peroxides will form in about 6 months, but after 1 year in old ether the content of peroxides decreases and aldehydes are formed from the alcohol present. These peroxides are non-volatile and remain as a residue when such ether sample is evaporated. When heated to about 100°C, they explode with terrific force.

The peroxide may be destroyed by shaking the ether with an aqueous solution of a reducing agent, such as ferrous sulphate, ferric chloride, sodium hydrosulphite, catechol or by filtering it through activated alumina. The ether should be stored up to 15° in dry airtight containers and protected from light.

Uses : Ether is an anaesthetic administered by inhalation...It also possesses analgesic and muscle relaxant properties. It is also used as a solvent for waxes, fats, oils, perfumes, alkaloids and gums; as an important reagent in organic synthesis (Grignard and Wurtz type reactions), for easily removable extractant of hormones from plants and animal tissues and in the manufacture of gun powder.

Side Effect

Ether has irritant action on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. It may cause vasodilation, capillary bleeding, malignant hyperpyrexia, convulsions, etc.