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...