diethyl ether

Diethyl ether is a colorless, highly volatile organic compound with the chemical formula (C2H5)2O. It belongs to the class of ethers and is commonly referred to simply as "ether." Historically significant as one of the first general anesthetics used in surgery via inhalation, its primary mechanism of action is central nervous system depression through potentiation of inhibitory neurotransmission. Today, its main uses are as a non-polar solvent in laboratories and industry—especially for reactions involving organometallic reagents such as Grignard reactions—and as a starting fluid for engines due to its high volatility and low flash point. Diethyl ether is also used in chemical synthesis and extraction processes[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

ethyl ethersulfuric etheranesthetic ether