Ethyl ether
Synonyms & Trade Names
Diethyl ether, Diethyl oxide, Ether, Ethyl oxide, Solvent etherPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a pungent, sweetish odor. [Note: A gas above 94°F.]Molecular Weight
74.1Boiling Point
94°FFreezing Point
-177°FSolubility
8%Vapor Pressure
440 mmHgIonization Potential
9.53 eVSpecific Gravity
0.71Flash Point
-49°FUpper Exposive Limit
36.0%Lower Explosive Limit
1.9%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, halogens, sulfur, sulfur compounds [Note: Tends to form explosive peroxides under influence of air and light.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; dizziness, drowsiness, headache, excited, narcosis; nausea, vomitingTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
OSHA
Up to 1900 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division