Ethyl methyl ether (methoxyethane, IUPAC) is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water. Specific gravity is 0.70, which is lighter than water. It is highly flammable, with a flammable range of 2%–10.1% in air. Boiling point is 51°F (10°C), flash point is ?35°F (?37°C), and ignition temperature is 374°F (190°C). Vapor density is 2.07, which is heavier than air. In addition to flammability, ethyl methyl ether is an anesthetic and can form explosive peroxides as it ages. The four-digit UN identification number is 1039. The NFPA 704 designation is health 1, flammability 4, and reactivity 1. The primary use is in medicine as an anesthetic.
