Diethyl Ether was first synthesized in 1540 by Valerius Cordus, and he termed as - sweet oil of vitriol. Diethyl ether is an extremely flammable organic solvent with many uses. Diethyl ether was one of the first anesthetics developed for surgical use, but has since been replaced by less flammable chemicals. Diethyl ether is commonly used as an industrial or laboratory solvent. It has narcotic properties and has been known to cause temporary psychological addiction, sometimes referred to as etheromania. Diethyl ether is particularly important as a solvent in the production of cellulose plastics such as cellulose acetate, fats, waxes, resins and similar substances. Diethyl ether has a high cetane number of 85-96 and is used as a starting fluid, in combination with petroleum distillates for gasoline and diesel engines. It is a common laboratory solvent. It is also a common solvent for the Grignard reaction in addition to other reactions involving organometallic reagents,liniments and analgesics (painkillers) and smokeless gun powder. It is also used in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, as an intermediate in the preparation and manufacturing of other basic organic chemicals, as a catalyst in industrial polymerization processes, as an alternative fuel, as a foam expansion agent, and as an aerosol propellant for a variety of products that include adhesives, sealants, foam in a can, coatings, paints, automotive care products, topical skin cooling sprays, over the counter treatments, hairspray, sun screen and a variety of other personal care and household products. Diethyl ether can be prepared both in laboratories and on an industrial scale by the acid ether synthesis.
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