Diethyl Ether is a highly volatile, colourless liquid with a characteristic ether-like odour. It is a highly effective solvent, widely used in laboratories and industrial processes due to its ability to dissolve a broad range of organic compounds. Historically, diethyl ether was used as a general anaesthetic, though its use in medicine has largely been replaced by safer alternatives. It remains essential in chemical synthesis, extractions, and as a component in some fuel and starting fluid formulations.
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Chemical Formula: C₄H₁₀O
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Appearance: Colourless, volatile liquid
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Key Uses: Solvent, chemical synthesis, extraction, fuel additive
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Industries: Pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, laboratories, fuel industry
USES
1. Laboratory & Industrial Solvent
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Widely used as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, resins, and alkaloids.
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Common extraction medium in pharmaceuticals and chemical industries.
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Used in Grignard reactions and other organic synthesis processes.
2. Fuel & Additives
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Added to gasoline and diesel to improve volatility and combustion.
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Used in starting fluids for engines, especially in cold climates, due to its high volatility and low ignition temperature.
3. Medical & Pharmaceutical
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Historically used as a general anesthetic (now largely replaced by safer alternatives).
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Still studied and used in some niche pharmaceutical preparations.
4. Cleaning & Degreasing
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Used for cleaning delicate laboratory equipment and dissolving non-polar compounds.







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