Ether
Ether, which is also called diethyl ether, diethyl oxide, ethyl ether, and ethoxyethane, has the chemical formula C2H5O C2H5. At standard temperature and pressure ether is a colorless liquid, with a sweet smell. Ether is very volatile and in air its vapor can form an explosive mixture. The boiling point of ether is 94°F (34.5°C).
Ether can be formed by the dehydration of excess ethanol by sulfuric acid at a temperature of 284°F (140°C). Ether does not have a hydrogen atom attached to the oxygen atom, this reduces the number of reactions it can take part in (for example it cannot function like an alcohol). Ether does not occur naturally so all ether used has to be manufactured. Ether is most commonly manufactured using the process previously described, this manufacturing process was first devised in the early nineteenth century by Alexander Williamson (1824-1904).
Ether has very few chemical properties as it is relatively inactive. It is only partly miscible with water but it is an excellent organic solvent. When burnt in air complete combustion occurs yielding carbon dioxide and water, as has already been stated a mixture of ether vapor and air is explosive. A strong mineral acid, such as concentrated hydrochloric or sulfuric, will dissolve ether to produce an oxonium salt. Ether can be oxidized by nitric acid to produce ethanoic acid. On standing in air ether will slowly oxidize to produce small quantities of ether peroxide, this is an unstable compound with a high boiling point and its presence can lead to explosions when old samples of ether are distilled. Storage of ether in tightly closed bottles made of dark glass can prevent the formation of ether peroxide.
One of the commonest uses of ether is as an organic solvent. In this manner it is used in the preparation of alkanes, in reactions involving sodium, and as a solvent for Grignard reagents. Ether is also particularly useful in solvent extraction. In this process the ether is shaken with an organic solute in aqueous solution. The organic solute dissolves into the ether, which will not itself dissolve in the water. The ether and solute can then be removed for the mixture and the ether can be boiled or evaporated off, leaving a pure sample of the organic compound. Ether is commonly used as a solvent for oils, fats, waxes, and alkaloids.
One of the minor uses of ether but perhaps the most well known is as an anesthetic. Ether was first used as an anesthetic in 1842 by Crawford Long, in Georgia. As an anesthetic ether is reversible, predictable, and controllable. Ether also has the benefit of acting as a muscle relaxant. Application is by inhalation.
Ether is a relatively unreactive compound which has found an extensive use as an organic solvent.
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