Chemical Properties
Benzyl ethyl ether has a pleasant, fruity (pineapple) odor.
Chemical Properties
Colorless, oily liquid; aromatic odor. Volatile in steam; insoluble in water; miscible with alcohol, ether. Combustible.
Occurrence
Reported found in cocoa, American cranberry, litchi (Litchi sinensis Sonn.) and eucalyptus oil.
Uses
Organic synthesis, flavoring.
Preparation
From benzyl chloride and sodium ethylate in alcoholic solution.
Definition
ChEBI: Benzyl ethyl ether is a benzyl ether.
Hazard
Narcotic in high concentration. May be skin irritant.
Purification Methods
Dry the ether with CaCl2 or NaOH, then fractionally distil it. [Letzinger & Pollart J Am Chem Soc 78 6079 1956, Beilstein 6 III 1454, 6 IV 2229.]