Chemical Properties
oily colourless odourless liquid
General Description
Liquid; colorless; mild, rancid odor; floats and mixes with water.
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-PROPOXYETHANOL 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
VAPOR: Irritating eyes and nose. LIQUID: Can cause corneal damage. INHALATION: Can cause toxic effects. SKIN: Contact can cause toxic effects.
Fire Hazard
Combustible: Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may be produced in a fire.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion and skin contact. Mildly toxic by
inhalation. An experimental teratogen.
Experimental reproductive effects. Some
glycol ethers have dangerous human
reproductive effects. A skin and severe eye
irritant. Flammable; can react with oxilzing
materials. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See
also GLYCOL ETHERS.
