Ethyl ether. Sulfur ether: formula, properties and application Diethyl ether flash point

Substances created by nature or people with completely harmless goals - saving lives or pain relief during surgical interventions - are often used by asocial individuals with completely different intentions - to get euphoria and buzz. It is for such purposes that drug addicts use diethyl ether.

Diethyl ether - what kind of substance?

According to its physical characteristics, ether is an absolutely transparent liquid that can easily flare up. Ether has a very pungent odor and a pungent pungent taste. Ether quickly evaporates, saturating the surrounding space with its vapors.

Diethyl ether has found its application in medicine as a means for inhalation anesthesia during surgical operations. The first operation in Russia under ether anesthesia was performed back in 1846.

This type of anesthesia was widely used in surgical practice by the surgeon N.I. Pirogov. Less widespread is diethyl ether as a means for filling teeth or for getting rid of severe vomiting or hiccups.

In surgical intervention, ether anesthesia has proven itself as a powerful analgesic and muscle relaxant. Anesthesia with ether is performed during short operations, since the period of its action is not very long and is 20-40 minutes, after which the patient wakes up.

Mechanism of action

Diethyl ether is considered a low-hazard substance for human health. However, when used for non-medical purposes, the drug causes deep depression of the nervous system.

There are 4 stages of the effect of ether on a person:

  1. General anesthesia. The first stage of ether intoxication is characterized by a loss of pain sensitivity, while the consciousness is clear, the physical indicators are normal.
  2. Excitation. This stage is accompanied by loss of consciousness, nevertheless, patients are highly agitated, motor and speech activity increases, muscle tone is increased. The patient can cough violently, up to the development of a gag reflex. Breathing quickens, pulse and blood pressure rise.
  3. Surgical anesthesia stage. At this stage, the nervous system is depressed, all manifestations of excitement disappear without a trace - muscle tone returns to normal, pressure stabilizes. This stage is divided into several forms of anesthesia - light, medium, deep and super-deep anesthesia.
  4. Agonal stage. Occurs with ether overdose. In this case, the patient's respiratory and vasomotor functions are strongly suppressed, breathing is shallow, the pulse is weak. The patient turns blue, his pupils are greatly dilated. The agonal stage ends in death as a result of cardiac arrest and respiratory depression.

Experienced anesthesiologists, knowing about the unwanted manifestations of ether anesthesia, relieve them with additional premedication. Drug addicts, using ether, do not know about such subtleties, therefore, the drug can have a strong effect on an unprepared body, expressed in a violation of perception, the so-called dissociative effect.

the effect

As a rule, ether brings with it a state similar to a slight alcoholic intoxication - a toxicomaniac experiences pleasant excitement, becomes too talkative, cheerful, and his physical activity increases.

At the same time, the ether can cause sound and visual hallucinations, it seems to the addict that everything that he sees and hears happens to him in real life. A person intoxicated by ether tries to contact the world visible only to him, therefore he needs control from other people. Narcotic intoxication from the action of ether lasts no more than 15 minutes.

As the ether vapors evaporate, the narcotic intoxication fades away and ends with a deep sleep. The feeling of detachment from reality and depression can last for several more days, after which the need for the next session arises.

With prolonged and uncontrolled inhalation of ether, an overdose of a narcotic substance occurs. The trip here is accompanied by a strong feeling of fear, turning into a panic, the addict is very agitated, can randomly move around the room. Gradually suffocation occurs, convulsions begin, blood pressure drops. The patient in this situation needs medical attention.

Development of addiction

Diethyl ether does not cause drug addiction, in the sense in which we are used to understanding it. That is, the physical cravings associated with a strong one do not arise in drug addicts who use ether for a long time. However, the obsessive desire to breathe in ether vapors in order to relax, get a slight euphoria and a slight immersion in sleep, undoubtedly, takes place. There is a strong mental dependence on the use of a narcotic substance.

A toxicomaniac can stop taking ether as a narcotic substance at any time, however, this will lead to increased irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches, anger and suspicion. Symptoms can last about 5-6 days and disappear without a trace. However, an uncontrollable craving for the airwaves can persist for several years.

Consequences of use

Chronic poisoning of the body with ether vapors causes extremely negative consequences for the patient:

  • constant irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. As a result - persistent bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic diseases of the broncho-pulmonary system;
  • memory loss, general personality degradation, paranoia;
  • , neuropsychiatric diseases;
  • toxic hepatitis, decreased kidney function.

It should be noted that ether vapor is a rather rare phenomenon and is observed mainly among those who, by the nature of their work, have access to this drug.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Empirical formula. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... C4H10O

Structural formula. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... С2Н5ОС2Н5

Molecular weight, kg / kmol. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 74.12

State of aggregation. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... liquid

Appearance. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... colorless liquid

Smell. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... peculiar

Application: as a solvent for cellulose nitrates, animal and vegetable fats, natural and synthetic resins, alkaloids; as an extractant for the separation of plutonium and its fission products in the production and processing of nuclear fuel, in the separation of uranium from ores, anesthetic in medicine.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Density at 20 ° C and a pressure of 101.3 kPa, kg / m3. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 713.5

Vapor density in air. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2.6

Density, at 20 ° C, referred to the density of water at 4 ° C. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.7138

Boiling point, ° С. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 34.5

Melting point, ° С. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... minus 116.3

Critical temperature, ° С. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 193.4

Critical pressure, MPa. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3.61

Heat of combustion, kJ / mol. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... minus 2531

Specific heat of combustion, kJ / kg. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 34147

Heat of formation, kJ / mol. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... minus 252.2

Vapor diffusion coefficient in air, cm2 / s. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.0772

Constants of the Antoine equation in the temperature range minus 60.8 - plus 35 ° С

A. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6.9979

V. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1098,945

WITH. . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 232,372

Heat capacity, J / (mol? Deg). ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 166.69

Viscosity at 20 ° C, mPa? S. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.2448

Enthalpy of vaporization, kJ / mol. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 27.3

:

Water solubility:. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... soluble

Reactivity: Let's dissolve in ethanol, benzene, acetylene, chloroform and other organic solvents. Under the action of strong acids, it turns into unstable oxonium salts. Resistant to alkalis and alkali metals.

SANITARY AND HYGIENIC CHARACTERISTICS

CAS registration number. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 60-29-7

Hazard class in the air of the working area. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .4

MPCm.r./s.s. in the air of the working area, mg / m3. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .900 / 300

Air pollutant code:. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1105

Hazard class in atmospheric air. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .4

MPCm.r. / s.s. in atmospheric air. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1.0 / 0.6

Effects on humans: drug. Slightly irritating to the respiratory tract, in acute poisoning, excitement occurs, then drowsiness and loss of consciousness, sometimes prolonged. When in contact with the skin, it causes a burning sensation and cold.

Precautions: adequate ventilation. When received or used in organic synthesis, equipment and communications are sealed. Isolation of anesthetists from direct inhalation of diethyl ether. When stored in light, forms unstable explosive peroxides, which can spontaneously ignite at room temperature.

Remedies: skin protection; filtering industrial gas mask, goggles.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION PROPERTIES

Flammability group. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... flammable liquid (flammable liquid)

Flash point, ° С. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... minus 41

Autoignition temperature, ° С. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 180

Concentration limits of flame spread,% (vol.). ... ... 1.7-49

Temperature limits of flame spread, ° С. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... minus 44 - plus 16

Minimum ignition energy, mJ. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.2

Normal flame propagation speed, m / s. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.49

Minimum explosive oxygen content,% (vol.) When diluting the vapor-air mixture with nitrogen. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .10.7

When diluting the vapor-air mixture with carbon dioxide. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 13

When diluting the air-vapor mixture with helium. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ten

Maximum explosion pressure, kPa. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 720

Maximum rate of explosion pressure rise, MPa / s. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 21

Burnout rate, kg / (m2? S). ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10.83 × 10-2

Safe experimental maximum clearance, mm. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.87

Explosive mixture group according to GOST R 51330.5. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... T4

Extinguishing media: water spray, air-mechanical foam, powders. Foam based on PO-11 with a flow rate of 0.34 kg / (m2 s), based on Foretol software - 0.1 kg / (m2 s), based on Sampo software - 0.25 kg / (m2 with). With volumetric extinguishing, the minimum fire extinguishing concentration of carbon dioxide is 38% (vol.), Nitrogen 49% (vol.)

Diethyl ether is a common remedy for inhaled anesthesia. This drug is actively used in the field of surgery to perform inhalation anesthesia. Ether for anesthesia it is used to carry out various medical procedures.

It is a transparent, colorless, volatile, mobile, flammable liquid with a boiling point in the range of 34-35 degrees. When exposed to direct light, it begins to decompose with the formation of peroxides and aldehydes.

Action

The stabilized ether has a rather pronounced narcotic effect. The drug acts on the central nervous system as follows: first on the brain, then on the subcortical region, the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord. The most important centers of the medulla oblongata are resistant to this anesthetic, so doctors can get deep anesthesia when using it, in which motor spinal reflexes will be completely absent.

If there is an overdose of ether, then there is a rapid decrease in blood pressure and breathing may stop. Deep anesthesia can be achieved with a substance level of 140 mg%. On the other hand, at 200 mg%, quite serious negative reactions of the body to the substance occur.

Method of using anesthetic

Diethyl and ether in general is used for anesthesia during any surgical interventions = operations, regardless of the complexity and duration. It is possible to carry out mask, mononarcosis with ether or combined multicomponent intubation anesthesia. It all depends on the professionalism of the anesthesiologist.

An anesthetic agent is used for analgesia: in a half-open system in an inhaled mixture 2-4 vol. % ether anesthetic has a supportive effect and helps to turn off consciousness. At 5-8%, superficial anesthesia is achieved, at 10-12% - deep anesthesia. To put a patient to sleep, a high concentration (20-25%) is often required. When using this agent, anesthesia is relatively safe and easy to manage.

There is good relaxation of the skeletal muscles. Compared with cyclopropane, chloroform, fluorothane, ether does not in any way affect the sensitivity of the heart muscle to norepinephrine and adrenaline.

At the same time, lulling with it for patients is rather painful and prolonged (often 15-20 minutes). About half an hour after the end of the anesthetic, awakening occurs. The depression that usually occurs after such anesthesia can last for a couple of hours.

To reduce reflex reactions, the anticholinergic drug atropine must be administered to patients before performing the procedure. To reduce agitation, ether anesthesia is often used only after induction of anesthesia with barbiturates. In some countries and hospitals, anesthesia is started with nitrous oxide and then maintained with ether.

Recent studies show that the use of drugs to relax muscles (muscle relaxants) during the procedure can not only improve muscle relaxation, but also significantly reduce the amount of anesthetic required to maintain anesthesia.

Side effects

This anesthetic is known for its side effects, which include:

  • Vapors of the drug irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. This causes an increase in the secretion of the bronchial glands and an increase in salivation;
  • Laryngeal spasm is often observed at the beginning of the procedure after the application of anesthetic;
  • An increase in blood pressure, tachycardia is observed, which is associated with an increase in the concentration of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the blood;
  • After the operation, patients often have vomiting, respiratory depression;
  • Due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, bronchopneumonia may well begin to develop.

Contraindications for use

Of course, a drug that has such an extensive list of side effects has a lot of contraindications for use as anesthesia:

  • Acute inflammatory diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract.
  • Severe forms of renal and hepatic failure.
  • Operations requiring the use of an electric knife or electrocoagulation.
  • Myasthenia gravis and adrenal insufficiency.
  • A history of convulsions associated with ether anesthesia.

As noted above, an overdose of the drug is extremely dangerous.

Benefits of Essential Pain Relief:

  • Sufficient narcotic strength.
  • A wide range from therapeutic to toxic doses.
  • In concentrations that are sufficient for the operation (at the level of anesthesia III1 - III2)), it does not inhibit the function of the circulatory system and stimulates respiration.
  • Possibility of using without special equipment using simple devices.
  • The ability to use air instead of oxygen.

Disadvantages:

  • Flammability and Explosion Hazard.
  • Unpleasant for the patient long periods of administration and withdrawal from anesthesia with a pronounced period of excitement.
  • Irritant effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, excessive saliva and mucus secretion and, as a result, spasm of the larynx.
  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting are common.
  • Metabolic disorders.

Why is it considered curative, read in another article.

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Hundreds of years ago, the famous scientist of that time Lull, who after his death began to be called an alchemist, managed to discover the currently irreplaceable diethyl ether. The formula, properties, boiling point, methods of obtaining the substance will be described in detail in this article.

History

In the 13th century, the famous Spanish scientist Raymond Llull discovered diethyl ether. Its properties were described in 1540 by the no less famous scientist Paracelsus. In 1846, ether was first tried to be used as an anesthetic. The operation carried out by the American doctor D. Warren with the use of vapors of this substance was successful. Dentist W. Morton and his mentor, physician and chemist C. Jackson, are considered the inventors of anesthesia.

Methods for obtaining ether in the 16th century were described by Valerius Cordus, a famous botanist and pharmacist from Kassel. Since the beginning of the 18th century, the alcohol-ether mixture has been used as a sedative - this was the proposal of Friedrich Hoffmann. Petersburg pharmacist Thomas Lovitz in 1796 received pure diethyl ether, the formula of which, by the way, has two variants (more on this later). But the principle of action of the mentioned substance on the human body was promulgated by the English physicist M. Faraday, after which in 1818 even a scientific article devoted to this topic was published.

Characteristic

What is called ether? It is an organic compound whose molecules consist of two hydrocarbon radicals and an oxygen atom. The most important is simple, diethyl ether, the formula of which is as follows:

(C 2 H 5) 2O or C 4 H 10 O.

It is a colorless, transparent, highly mobile volatile liquid with a peculiar smell and burning taste.

Under the influence of light, air, heat and moisture, ether can decompose, forming toxic aldehydes, peroxides and ketones, which irritate the respiratory tract.

At a water temperature of 20 degrees, it dissolves by 6.5%. Mixes well with fatty and essential oils, benzene and alcohol, regardless of the ratio.

The ether itself, however, like its vapors, is highly flammable. In a certain proportion with oxygen or air, diethyl ether vapors used for anesthesia are explosive.

Chemical properties

All the chemical properties of ethers are characteristic of diethyl ether. So, let's look at this issue in more detail. It is a fairly inert substance. The main difference from esters is the absence of hydrolysis, although there are exceptions. In the cold, it does not interact with phosphorus chloride, metallic sodium and many dilute mineral acids. Despite this, concentrated acids (sulfuric and hydroiodic) even at low temperatures decompose these esters, and heated metallic sodium breaks them down.

An ether with lone electron pairs interacts with a strong acid proton, resulting in the formation of an unstable oxonium compound:

Acidolysis. Sulfuric and hydroiodic acids, as well as FeCl3 in acetic anhydride, are capable of cleaving ethers. The chemical reaction looks like this: CH3 — CH2 — O — CH2 — CH3 + HJ → CH3 — CH2 — OH + J — CH2 — CH3.

Metallation reaction called the Shorygin reaction. Heated metallic sodium breaks down diethyl ether: C2H5-O-C2H5 + 2Na → C2H5ONa + C2H5Na

The relative chemical inertness does not prevent esters from forming peroxides when stored in air, which often leads to explosions at the end of the distillation.

Diethyl ether: physical properties

A peculiar smell, a low boiling point of ethers is evidence of a weak intermolecular effect, and this indicates a low polarity and the absence of prerequisites for the formation of hydrogen bonds. In contrast to alcohols, ethers have stronger electron-donating properties, which is confirmed by the value of the ionization potentials. The enhancement of these features is associated with the positive inductive effect of a group of atoms obtained from alkanes when a hydrogen atom is removed.

The boiling point of diethyl ether is 35.6 degrees Celsius (this is much lower than that of isomeric alcohols), and the freezing point is 117 o C. Ethers hardly mix with water. The explanation for this is quite simple: they are not able to form hydrogen bonds, since their molecules do not have polar bonds. Poorly soluble in water and diethyl ether, the density of which in relation to hydrogen oxide is 0.714. One of the features of the substance under consideration is the tendency to electrify. Electrostatic discharges are particularly likely to occur when overflowing or draining chemicals, which can result in ignition. Ether vapors form explosive mixtures with air, which is 2.5 times lighter. The lower explosive limit is 1.7% and the upper one is 49%. When working with ether, one should not forget that its vapors tend to spread over long distances without losing the ability to burn. So the main precaution is that there are no open flames or other sources of ignition nearby.

Ether is an inactive compound, several times less reactive than alcohols. It perfectly dissolves most of organic substances, thanks to which it is used as a solvent. Diethyl ether is no exception. Physical properties, as well as chemical ones, make it possible to use it in medicine and in production.

Ethers are not found in nature - they are obtained synthetically. Under the influence of acid catalysts on ethyl alcohol at an elevated temperature, diethyl ether is obtained (the formula is indicated above). The easiest way to get this substance is by distilling a mixture of sulfuric acid and alcohol. To do this, it must be heated to 140-150 degrees Celsius. We will need ethyl alcohol and sulfuric acid (in equal proportions), pipettes, test tubes and gas pipes.

So, after the equipment and reagents are prepared, you can proceed to the experiment. Pour 2-3 ml of a mixture of alcohol and acid into a test tube (it must be dry) and heat slowly. As soon as boiling begins, the burner is removed, and 5 to 10 drops of ethyl alcohol are added to the hot mixture using a pipette along the wall of the test tube. The ongoing reaction is as follows:

  • CH3 — CH2 — OH (ethyl sulfuric acid) + H2SO4 CH3 — CH2 — OSO3H + H2O;
  • CH3 — CH2 — OSO3H + CH3 — CH3 — O;
  • CH3 — CH2 — O — CH2 — CH3 (diethyl ether) + H2SO4.

The formation of diethyl ether is evidenced by the smell that appears.

Medical use

As a drug for general anesthetic action, doctors use diethyl ether. The properties of this substance do not allow it to be used in operations where power tools are used, since it is highly flammable, and when combined with air, it can explode. Diethyl ether is widely used in surgery, where it is used for inhalation anesthesia. In dentistry, dental root canals and carious places are treated with it, thus preparing the oral cavity for filling.

Diethyl ether as fuel

The substance has a high cetane number (85-96), so it can be used as a starting fluid for gasoline and diesel engines. Due to its high volatility and low flash points, diethyl ether is used as a fuel blend for exemplary diesel engines. It turns out that this substance is similar to ethanol.

Proper storage

It is recommended to store diethyl ether in dark-colored bottles (carefully sealed) in a cool place, as it decomposes in the light, in warmth and under the influence of moisture, resulting in the release of toxic substances.

(Aether aethylicus; synonym for diethyl ether) is a narcotic drug. It is a colorless transparent liquid with a peculiar odor. Ether vapors are highly flammable, form explosive mixtures with oxygen, air and nitrous oxide.

There are two types of the drug: medical ether (Aether medicinalis;) and ether for anesthesia (Aether pro narcosi; list B). The first drug is used externally, as well as in the manufacture of tinctures, extracts and in laboratory practice.

Aether pro narcosi is a thoroughly purified product. Used for inhalation anesthesia. Possesses high narcotic activity, sufficient breadth of narcotic action. Ether vapors, however, cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which is accompanied by an increase and secretion of the bronchial glands; possibly a reflexive violation of breathing and heart activity. In addition, ether anesthesia is characterized by a pronounced stage of arousal. Awakening after anesthesia is long; due to the irritating effect of ether on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract in the postoperative period, bronchopneumonia may occur.

To reduce the secretion of the bronchial glands and reflex reactions, atropine or others must be administered before anesthesia.

Essential anesthesia is contraindicated in pulmonary tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, increased intracranial pressure, cardiovascular diseases accompanied by a significant increase in blood pressure, decompensation of cardiac activity, in severe kidney disease, general exhaustion, diabetes, acidosis.

Ether for anesthesia is produced in hermetically sealed orange glass flasks with a capacity of 150 ml, metal foil is placed under the cork. Store in a cool, dark place away from fire. After 6 months. storage, the drug is tested.

See also Narcotic drugs.

Ethyl ether [synonyms: sulfuric ether, diethyl ether; formula (C 2 H 5) 2 O] is a colorless, extremely mobile volatile liquid, boiling temperature 35.6 °; t ° pl - 117.6 °;
D204 = 0.7135; n 20 d = 1.3527. Slightly soluble in water, mixes up with anhydrous alcohol in all respects. Ethyl ether is highly flammable. With air, its vapors form explosive mixtures, so work with ethyl ether requires great care.

Ethyl ether is obtained from ethyl alcohol by the action of concentrated sulfuric acid or other dehydrating agents.

Ethyl ether is difficult to enter into chemical reactions. It does not react with sodium. This is used to prepare "absolute" (anhydrous) ethyl ether. With concentrated mineral acids, like all ethers, it forms oxonium compounds [(C 2 H 5) 2 OH +] X-. When stored for a long time in the light, ethyl ether is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen with the formation of peroxides, which often cause explosions during the distillation of ethyl ether, therefore, before working with ethyl ether, it must be checked for the presence of peroxides and removed by special treatment.

Ethyl ether is a good solvent for many organic substances; it does not dissolve in water, so it is used to extract organic matter from water. Ethyl ether is used as a solvent in the manufacture of rayon. However, the scope of its application in industry is limited due to fire and explosion hazard. See also Ethers.

The use of ethyl ether in medicine... Medical ether (Aether medicinalis) is used in laboratory practice as a solvent, in histological techniques, for the isolation of alkaloids from plant materials.

Ether for anesthesia (Aether pro narcosi; Aether anestheticus) is one of the most widely used means for inhalation anesthesia. Possesses a wide range of narcotic action, gives a well-controlled anesthesia. Supporting concentrations of ethyl ether in the inhaled air: for light anesthesia 3-5 vol.%, Deep 5-10 vol.%. With prolonged inhalation of ethyl ether at a concentration of 10-15 vol.%, Depression and respiratory arrest occurs. Ethyl ether is used for independent anesthesia or in combination with other drugs and muscle relaxants.

Ethyl ether vapors are highly flammable and form explosive mixtures with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air. Sometimes ethyl ether is prescribed internally (with vomiting, hiccups, as a reflex-aphrodisiac). Higher doses inside for adults: single - 20 drops (0.33 ml), daily - 60 drops (1 ml). See also Narcotic drugs.

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