Chemical Name: Diethyl Ether, Ethoxyethane, Ethoxyethane, Ethyl Ether, Ethyl Oxide, Diethyl Oxide, Oxapentane
Chemical Formula: C4H10O
CAS Number: 60-29-7
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Packaging: Can, drum, IBC tank, bulk
Definition
Diethyl ether, most commonly known as ether, is an organic substance.
It is flammable, highly volatile, and colorless.
It is widely used as a solvent in laboratories.
Diethyl ether can be obtained by acid ether synthesis both in laboratories and in industrial settings.
Areas of Use
Diethyl ether is an important solvent, especially for cellulose plastics such as cellulose acetate.
Fuel
Since diethyl ether has a high cetane number of 86-96, it can be used mixed with hydrocarbons in gasoline and diesel engines.
Due to its high volatility and low flash point, it is used as a starting fluid in cold climate countries.
Laboratory uses
Diethyl ether is frequently used as an aprotic solvent in laboratories. Its solubility in water is low. Combined with its volatility, this makes it an ideal nonpolar solvent for liquid-liquid extractions.
When used with an aqueous solution, the less dense diethyl ether layer rises to the top.