Ethers — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point (examples)
~ 35 °C (diethyl ether) → 154 °C (dipropyl ether)
Flash point
often < 0 °C (e.g., diethyl ether ≈ −45 °C)
Explosion limits (air)
≈ 1.9–36 vol% (typical for light ethers)
Water solubility
Low; small ethers partly miscible (THF fully miscible)
Toxicity
CNS depressant
Flammability
very low FP
Chronic risk
peroxides
Environmental
VOC emissions
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Functional group | R–O–R′ (aliphatic and cyclic ethers) |
| Representative examples | Diethyl ether, MTBE, ETBE, THF, dioxolane |
| Physical state | Volatile liquids; vapours heavier than air |
| Vapour pressure (20 °C) | High for light ethers (e.g., diethyl ether ≈ 58–60 kPa) |
| Density (20 °C) | ~ 0.71–0.89 g/cm³ (compound-dependent) |
| Odour | Sweet, ether-like |
| Peroxide formation | Yes—especially on storage/air exposure; use inhibitors & test before distillation |
| Typical uses | Solvents, fuel oxygenates (MTBE/ETBE), extractants |
*Values are indicative for the class. Verify specific compound data via current SDS/regulations.