Chemical Safety Data: Diethyl Ether

Common synonyms

Ether, ethyl ether

Formula

(C₂H₅)₂O

Physical properties

Form: colourless liquid with a sweet, characteristic smell
Stability: Stable, but may react with oxygen in the air to form unstable peroxides
Melting point: -116 C
Boiling point: 35 C
Water solubility: approximately 7% at 20 C
Specific gravity: 0.71
Flash point: -40 C
Explosion limits: 1.7 - 48%

Principal hazards

Diethyl ether can be ignited at a very low temperature and constitutes a serious fire risk.
The vapour may flow considerable distances along a bench to a source of ignition.
Diethyl ether liquid is extremely volatile and dangerous concentrations can readily build up above an open container.
The explosion limits for this material are very wide; an explosion is possible when the volume of vapour in air is just 2%.
Because of the low flash point a naked flame is not required for ignition, a hot plate or even a hot radiator may be sufficient. A spark generated by electrical equipment may also cause ignition.
Diethyl ether is harmful if breathed in.
Diethyl ether may react with the oxygen in the air once a container is opened. This can lead to the development of dangerous quantities of peroxides which may cause an explosion if the liquid is heated. Once open, ethers should not be kept for long periods.

Safe handling

Remove any source of ignition from the working area, including hot plates, bunsen burners, hot air guns and electrical equipment.
Only work in very well ventilated areas.
Wear safety glasses.
If using ether from a container that has been open for some time, test the liquid for the presence of peroxides before use.
Store under an inert atmosphere.

Emergency

Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes and call for medical help.
Skin contact: IMMEDIATELY remove any contaminated clothing; clothing soaked in diethyl ether is an extreme fire risk. Wash off with plenty of water. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid.
If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.

Disposal

Do not attempt to flush this material down a sink. Dangerous levels of vapour can build up in the sink or within sewers. Store in a waste solvent container for disposal.

Protective equipment

Safety glasses. Diethyl ether may have a defatting effect on the skin. If gloves are required, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is suggested.

Further information

Diethyl ether
Chemicals in the HSci database
More extensive safety data

Link to the Oxford HSci web site
We have tried to make this information as accurate and useful as possible, but can take no responsibility for its use, misuse, or accuracy. We have not verified this information, and cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date.
Oxford, January 8, 2004

Common synonyms	Ether, ethyl ether
Formula	(C₂H₅)₂O
Physical properties	Form: colourless liquid with a sweet, characteristic smell Stability: Stable, but may react with oxygen in the air to form unstable peroxides Melting point: -116 C Boiling point: 35 C Water solubility: approximately 7% at 20 C Specific gravity: 0.71 Flash point: -40 C Explosion limits: 1.7 - 48%
Principal hazards	Diethyl ether can be ignited at a very low temperature and constitutes a serious fire risk. The vapour may flow considerable distances along a bench to a source of ignition. Diethyl ether liquid is extremely volatile and dangerous concentrations can readily build up above an open container. The explosion limits for this material are very wide; an explosion is possible when the volume of vapour in air is just 2%. Because of the low flash point a naked flame is not required for ignition, a hot plate or even a hot radiator may be sufficient. A spark generated by electrical equipment may also cause ignition. Diethyl ether is harmful if breathed in. Diethyl ether may react with the oxygen in the air once a container is opened. This can lead to the development of dangerous quantities of peroxides which may cause an explosion if the liquid is heated. Once open, ethers should not be kept for long periods.
Safe handling	Remove any source of ignition from the working area, including hot plates, bunsen burners, hot air guns and electrical equipment. Only work in very well ventilated areas. Wear safety glasses. If using ether from a container that has been open for some time, test the liquid for the presence of peroxides before use. Store under an inert atmosphere.
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes and call for medical help. Skin contact: IMMEDIATELY remove any contaminated clothing; clothing soaked in diethyl ether is an extreme fire risk. Wash off with plenty of water. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid. If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.
Disposal	Do not attempt to flush this material down a sink. Dangerous levels of vapour can build up in the sink or within sewers. Store in a waste solvent container for disposal.
Protective equipment	Safety glasses. Diethyl ether may have a defatting effect on the skin. If gloves are required, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is suggested.
Further information	Diethyl ether Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data