Chemical Properties
Clear colorless liquid
Uses
Used as a solvent for coatings and degreasing.
General Description
Water-white liquid.
Air & Water Reactions
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.
Reactivity Profile
Ethers, such as 2-(2-HEXYLOXYETHOXY)ETHANOL 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.
Health Hazard
Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors and toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, may be formed when involved in fire.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
