Di-n-propyl ether

Dipropyl ether is the symmetrical ether of two n-propyl groups. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor typical of ethers.

Di-n-propyl ether
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
1-Propoxypropane
Other names
Propyl ether
Dipropyl ether
Di-n-propyl ether
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.518
UNII
Properties
C6H14O
Molar mass 102.177 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Density 0.75 g/cm3[1]
Melting point −122 °C (−188 °F; 151 K)[1]
Boiling point 90 °C (194 °F; 363 K)[1]
3 g/L (20 °C)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
Flammability code 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasolineHealth code 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineReactivity code 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. E.g. calciumSpecial hazards (white): no code
3
1
1
Flash point −18 °C (0 °F; 255 K)[1]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Preparation

Acid catalyzed ether synthesis

Dipropyl ether can be synthesized by reacting two molecules of n-propanol in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid (a strong acid) and heat, in the same way other symmetrical ethers may be formed.[2]

Williamson ether synthesis

This ether may also be prepared by way of the Williamson ether synthesis in which n-propoxide, the conjugate base of n-propanol, is reacted with an n-propyl halide:[3]

Safety

As is typical of ethers, dipropyl ether may slowly form explosive organic peroxides over long periods in storage.[2] Antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene are often added to ethers to prevent this process.[4]

Due to the shock and light sensitive nature of organic peroxides, dipropyl ether should never be boiled or evaporated to dryness. This concentrates peroxides that may be present, which can then detonate unexpectedly destroying the vessel in which they have deposited or igniting nearby flammable liquids.[5]

See also

References
  1. Record in the GESTIS Substance Database of the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  2. O'Neil, Maryadele; Heckelman, Patricia; Koch, Cherie; Roman, Kristin, eds. (2006). Merck Index of Chemicals and Drugs (14th ed.). Merck Research Laboratories. ISBN 978-0-911910-00-1.
  3. Fox, Marye; Whitesell, James (2004). Organic Chemistry, 3rd ed. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. ISBN 978-0763735869.
  4. "Diethyl ether product listing". Sigma-Aldrich. Retrieved 2012-07-03.
  5. "Organic peroxide hazards". Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved 2012-07-03.
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