Diethyl Ether

1Identification

Name

Diethyl Ether

IUPAC name

ethoxyethane

CAS number

60-29-7

EC number

200-467-2

Molecular formula

C4H10O

Molecular weight

74.12 g/mol

InChIKey

RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCOCC

PubChem CID

3283

Synonyms

DIETHYL ETHER, ether, Ethyl ether, Ethoxyethane, Ethyl oxide, Pronarcol, Diethyl oxide, Aether, Anesthetic ether, Anaesthetic ether, Solvent ether, 3-Oxapentane, Ether, ethyl, Diaethylaether

Recommended uses

• Used as a solvent and a reagent in organic syntheses; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent (waxes, fats, oils, perfumes, gums, nitrocellulose, alkaloids); Also used to prime gasoline engines; [Merck Index]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Good solvent for fats, oils, dyes, gums, resins, raw rubber, smokeless powder, perfumes, and nitrocellulose. Also used in the manufacture of photographic films and pharmaceuticals, and as a reaction and extraction medium in the chemical industry. /Formerly (in U.S.A.)/ used as an inhalation anesthetic in surgery, a refrigerant, in diesel fuels, in dry cleaning, and as a starting fuel for engines.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Used as a solvent for waxes, fats, oils, perfumes, alkaloids, dyes, gums, resins, nitrocellulose, hydrocarbons, raw rubber, and smokeless powder. ... used as an inhalation anesthetic, a refrigerant, in diesel fuels, in dry cleaning, as an extractant, and as a chemical reagent for various organic reactions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Solvent Other Freeze-thaw additive Intermediate Laboratory chemicals
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Diethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an anesthetic odor. Flash point -49 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Diethyl ether is an ether in which the oxygen atom is linked to two ethyl groups. It has a role as an inhalation anaesthetic, a non-polar solvent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound and an ether.
  ChEBI
• diethyl ether has been reported in Basella alba, Acca sellowiana, and Fragaria with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Vapor inhalation may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Contact with eyes will be irritating. Skin contact from clothing wet with the chemical may cause burns. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Decomposes violently when heated. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Extremely flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with oxidants or incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Abnormal liver function tests has been reported in patients anesthetized with ethyl ether. Abuse of ether by workers, ether jags, has been reported. [ACGIH] Ethyl ether is in the list of Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Drowsiness. Dizziness. Euphoria. Vomiting. Headache. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Water may be ineffective ... But water should be used to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Use water spray dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Spills and leakage: Absorb with paper. Evaporate completely all spilt surface. Dispose by burning the paper after complete ventilation of vapor.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1. Remove all ignition sources. 2. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3. For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be reclaimed or collected and atomized in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. Ethyl ether should not be allowed to enter a confined space, such as sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A two-well injection withdrawal experiment was conducted at a hazardous waste disposal site near Ottawa, Canada to assess the feasibility of aquifer restoration by means of a purge well network. The six day test involved injecting tracer labeled clean water into one well while withdrawing contaminated water from a well located 5 m away. Samples taken from multilevel sampling points located along flow lines between the two wells were analyzed to determine the concentrations of tracers and of volatile contaminants. Tracer breakthrough data were fitted to an approximate analytic solution to determine average linear velocities and dispersivities.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from oxidants and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. Ventilation along the floor.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Separate from oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid sunlight.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Floors of storage rooms should be conductive ... to ground out any possible static charge of individuals working in the room.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Ethers should not be stored near powerful oxidizers or in areas of high fire hazard. They should be kept cool and the containers electrically grounded to avoid sparks. /Ethers/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Ethyl ether: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift). Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear full protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Approved organic vapor canister mask, chemical goggles, synthetic rubber or plastic gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Shoes should be conductive and nonsparking
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Occasional explosions have occurred when aluminum hydride was stored in ether. The explosions have been blamed on the presence of carbon dioxide impurity in the ether, [J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 70:877(1948)]. Diethyl ether and chromium trioxide react violently at room temperature. Solid acetyl peroxide in contact with ether or any volatile solvent may explode violently. A 5-gram portion in ether detonated while being carried, [Chem. Eng. News 27:175(1949)]. Nitrosyl perchlorate ignites and explodes with diethyl ether. A mixture of ether and ozone forms aldehyde and acetic acid and a heavy liquid, ethyl peroxide, an explosive, [Mellor 1:911(1946-1947)].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164]. A mixture of liquid air and diethyl ether exploded spontaneously, [MCA Case History 616(1960)].
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Boron triazide, bromine trifluoride, bromine pentafluoride, bromine, iodine heptafluoride, silver perchlorate, fluorine nitrate, permanganic acid, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, peroxodisulfuric acid, iodine(VII) oxide, peat soils, thiotriazyl perchlorate, sulfonyl chloride, sulfur, uranyl nitrate, and wood pulp extracts.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Tends to form explosive peroxides under influence of air and light, especially when evaporation to dryness is attempted. ... Air-ether mixtures containing more than 1.85 vol-% of ether vapor, are explosive hazards. ... May explode when brought in contact with anhydrous nitric acid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• alpha-Hydroperoxy ethers are obtained readily from the autoxidation of most ethers /including diethyl ether/ containing alpha-hydrogens. From ... diethyl ether, the initially formed alpha-hydroperoxy ether can ... with acid treatment, form dangerously sensitive and explosive polymeric peroxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• It is slowly oxidized by action of air, moisture, and light, with formation of peroxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in narcosis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. May cause addiction.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U117, F003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Diethyl ether is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. If concentrated waste contains no peroxides, discharge liquid at a controlled rate near a pilot flame. If concentrated waste contains peroxides, perforation of a container of the waste from a safe distance is followed by open burning.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A good candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperture range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time 0.1 to 2 seconds. Also, a good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. Also, a good candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1155

Shipping name

• UN 1155; Diethyl ether
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.1; Diethyl ether
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Diethyl ether or Ethyl ether
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1155
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: I
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1155 127
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Ethyl ether is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date 1/26/1994; Reporting date 3/28/94.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U117; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when diethyl ether, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 3283 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.