Diethyl Ether

Introduction

Diethyl ether is represented by the formula $\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$. It is an organic compound sometimes represented as $\mathrm{Et_{2}O}$. Diethyl ether is colourless, sweet-smelling, and highly volatile. Its molar or molecular weight is 74.123g/mol. Its density is 0.7134 g/𝑐𝑚3. Also, it is an extremely flammable liquid. It acts as a component of starting or generating fluids and it is also used as a solvent for the manufacturing of synthetic(man- made) dyes and plastics. Earlier it was also used as an anaesthetic agent but later on, it was exchanged or replaced with other substances.

What is Diethyl Ether?

Diethyl ether (ether) is an organic compound present in the class called ether and has the formula $\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$ or, $\mathrm{C_{4}H_{10}O}$. Sometimes it is also written as 𝐸𝑡2𝑂. It is a colourless liquid, highly volatile and has a sweet(Rum-like) odour. Also, it is extremely flammable. Its molecular or molar weight is 74.123g/mol. Its melting point(M.P.) is -116.3 °C and its boiling point(B.P.) is 34.6 °C. It is used as a solvent during or in the production or formation of cellulose plastics(biodegradable) such as cellulose acetate. It is also used as a starting fluid for some or a few engines. Earlier, it was used as an anaesthetic agent, and then, around the 1960’s it was replaced by some non- flammable drugs such as halothane.

General Properties of Diethyl Ether-$\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$

Following are some general properties of ether or Diethyl Ether-

• Chemical formula − Diethyl Ether has chemical or the empirical formula 𝐶4𝐻10𝑂.

• Appearance − It is a colourless liquid.

• Odour − It has a sweet (rum-like) smell.

• Molar mass − Its molar or molecular mass is 74.123g/mol.

• Density − It has a density of 0.7134g/𝑐𝑚3.

• Boiling point − Its boiling point is 34.6 °C or 94.3 °F or 307.9K.

• Melting point − Its melting point is -116.3 °C or -177.3 °F or 156.8K.

• Solubility in water − It is quite soluble in the water which is 6.05g/100mL.

Diethyl Ether Structure-$\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$

Diethyl ether or simply ether belongs to the ether class of compounds. Its structure comprises two ethyl groups($\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}}$) joined by an oxygen (O) atom to form $\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$. The structure has been depicted below:-

Synthesis of Diethyl Ether-$\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$

Following are the method used for the synthesis of Diethyl Ether-

• Through the reaction of Iodoethane($\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}l}$) and dry silver oxide($\mathrm{Ag_{2}O}$). Here, diethyl ether ($\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$) is obtained or produced by heating ethyl iodide($\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}l}$) with dry silver oxide.

• Williamson’s Synthesis Method:- Here, in this method, any one of the sodium(Na) or potassium(K) ethoxides gets heated with chloro(Cl), bromo(Br), or iodo(I) ethane. Here, the product formed is diethyl ether.

$$\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}ONa\:+\:C_{2}H_{5}l\rightarrow\:C_{2}H_{5}\:+\:Nal}$$

• Diethyl ether($\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$) can also be prepared by heating or flamming a mixture of ethyl alcohol($\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}OH}$) and alumina(𝐴𝑙2𝑂3) at 250 °C.

$$\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}OH\:+\:HOC_{2}H_{5}\:+\:Al_{2}O_{3}\:\rightarrow\:C_{2}H_{5}\:-\:O\:-\:C_{2}H_{5}\:+\:H_{2}O}$$

Physical Properties of Diethyl ether-$\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$

Following are the physical properties of Diethyl Ether-

• Diethyl ether is an organic colourless, partially soluble in water, highly volatile, and highly flammable(easy to catch fire) liquid.

• It boils to approx 308K. It is lighter than water.

• It has a sweet or pleasant (rum-like) smell and burning taste.

• It is slightly or partially soluble in the water but readily miscible or soluble in alcohol, benzene, e.t.c.

Chemical properties of Diethyl Ether-$\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$

• Halogenation reaction − Diethyl ether can react with halogens like bromine(Br) or chlorine(Cl) to form a halo or halogen-substituted ether that further undergoes a reaction called substitution reaction that takes place in the absence of light or sunlight.

$$\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}OC_{2}H_{5}\:+\:Cl_{2}\rightarrow\:C_{2}H_{4}(Cl)OC_{2}H_{4}(Cl)}$$

• Combustion reaction − As we know diethyl ether ( $\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$) is a highly flammable(easily catches fire) liquid and it undergoes a combustion reaction that results in the production of a gas called carbon dioxide($\mathrm{CO_{2}}$) and water.

$$\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}OC_{2}H_{5}\:+\:6O_{2}\rightarrow\:4CO_{2}\:+\:5H_{2}O}$$

Uses of Diethyl Ether- $\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$

• It is commonly used as a solvent for oils, gums, fats, resins, plastics, e.t.c.

• It is also used as a general anaesthetic in surgery.

• It is also used as a refrigerant.

• Mixed with alcohol, it serves as a substitute for petrol under the name Natalite.

• It is also used in the recovery or extraction of acetic acid from the solutions in the cellulose acetate solution.

Health Hazard

• Inhalation of diethyl ether can cause headaches, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness.

• Its contact with the eyes can be irritating.

• And, High or prolonged exposure to this ether can cause severe damage or failure to the kidney.

• Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause various problems to the skin including drying, scaling, and cracking of the skin.

Conclusion

Diethyl Ether($\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$) is an organic colourless liquid, with a sweet or pleasant smell. It is highly flammable and partially soluble in water. Its molecular mass is 74.123g/mol. Its structure consists of or comprises two ethyl groups($\mathrm{C_{2}H_{5}}$) joined by an oxygen (O) atom. Its boiling point(B.P.) is 34.6 °C and its melting point(M.P.) is -116.3 °C. There are various methods for its synthesis, one of which is the Williamson synthesis method. Diethyl ether can react with halogens and can also undergo a combustion reaction. It is used as a solvent in laboratories or industries. It is also used as an anaesthetic in surgery. There are also some health problems related to the prolonged use of diethyl ether.

FAQs

1. What is Diethyl Ether?

Diethyl ether represented by the formula $\mathrm{(C_{2}H_{5})_{2}O}$, is an organic colourless liquid. It is highly flammable and partially soluble in water.

2. Describe Williamson’s synthesis method?

The reaction between the alkyl halides and the sodium phenoxide to form ethers is termed Williamson’s synthesis method.

3. What are the melting and boiling points of diethyl ether?

Melting point = -116.3 °C

Boiling point = 34.6 °C

4. Mention some uses of Diethyl ether?

Following are some uses of ether or Diethyl ether-

• Used as a solvent for the formation of oils, gums, plastics, e.t.c.

• Used as a refrigerant.

• Used as an anaesthetic in surgery.

5. What are the health hazards caused due to Diethyl Ether?

Some health hazards caused due to Diethyl ether when it is used for a continuous or prolonged-time period are- headaches, vomiting, breathing issues, skin problems and high exposure to this ether can result in kidney damage or kidney failure.