General Description
A colorless liquid with a strong odor. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Flash point of 70°F. Vapors are heavier than air. In high concentrations the vapors may be narcotic.
Reactivity Profile
Ethers, such as DIPROPYL ETHER, can act as bases. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Ethers tend to form unstable peroxides when exposed to oxygen. Ethyl, isobutyl, ethyl tert-butyl, and ethyl tert-pentyl ether are particularly hazardous in this respect. Ether peroxides can sometimes be observed as clear crystals deposited on containers or along the surface of the liquid. Slightly soluble in water.
Health Hazard
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Chemical Properties
CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID
Uses
Di-n-propyl ether, is used as a solvent and intermediate for organic chemical synthesis.
Purification Methods
Purify the ether by drying with CaSO4, by passage through an alumina column (to remove peroxides), and by fractional distillation. [Beilstein 1 III 2146, 1 IV 1422.]
