Chemical Properties
Commercial diamyl ether consists principally of di-n-amyl ether and di-isoamyl ether, with small percentages of isomeric amyl ethers and diamylene. It is a colorless to light yellow liquid which is quite stable. It is insoluble in water but soluble in methanol, ethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, fixed oils, oleic and hot stearic acids, hot paraffin and carnauba waxes, the latter two solidifying when cooled. Unlike the lower aliphatic ethers, it will not dissolve nitrocellulose when admixed with ethanol. However, a mixture of diamyl ether and 20% ethanol will dissolve ethylcellulose.
Uses
Dipentyl ether has been used to compose the binary mixtures with various imidazole derivatives. Solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) of these binary mixtures have been evaluated by a dynamic method.
General Description
Dipentyl ether (1,1-Dipentyl ether, DPeE) is an aliphatic diether. It is formed as one of the major product during the dehydration of pentan-1-ol.
Hazard
Narcotic in high concentration.
Industrial uses
The commercial diamyl ether consists of a blend of di-AZ-amyl and
di-iso-amyl ether, a small amount of isomeric amyl ethers and diamylene. A blend
of diamyl ether and 20% ethanol will dissolve ethyl cellulose.
Safety Profile
Poison by intravenous route. Flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame; reacts with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ETHERS
Purification Methods
Repeatedly reflux amyl ether over sodium and distil it. [Beilstein 1 IV 1643.]
