[cybergenesis]

I am sure you all know about the solvent Diethyl Ether, very flammable and used as the first Anesthetic. It is a chemical I am VERY interested in, and have been for some time.

Well I considering purchasing some (as is my legal right), but I have a few questions:

One chemical analyses of an Ether solution said it contained:

Carbonyl (As HCHO) 0.001% (Max)

This is Formaldehyde? According to the above, if 1g = 1ml then 0.001% Formaldehyde = 10 parts per million? (Max)

Theoretically if you are exposed to fumes in the air from the above solutions, you could be inhaling threshold doses of Formaldehyde? My particular interest in this is because I am asthmatic and prone to allergies. It sounds like the exposure that might happen, while not ideal, is at the lower threshold of toxicity, and probably not harmful if exposure is just short term (as opposed to continual and long term)?



Is Formaldehyde used to stabilize the solution? Why is it present?

Can anybody list any other known toxic substances that are likely to be present in commercial Diethyl Ether solutions that may be present in sufficient amounts to pose potential toxic effects in exposure?

 

[curiouscat]

Well I considering purchasing some (as is my legal right), but I have a few questions:

Don't know where you are located but I'll point out that ether is a "List II Chemical" on US-DEA's restricted list. Your quantity is probably below their threshold (I hope!).

Is Formaldehyde used to stabilize the solution? Why is it present?

My guess, because it's hard to get the last traces out and not worth the cost. But I'm not sure.

Can anybody list any other known toxic substances that are likely to be present in commercial Diethyl Ether solutions that may be present in sufficient amounts to pose potential toxic effects in exposure?

BHT is likely to be present as a stabilizer. No idea about toxicity etc. I'd guess traces of ethanol / ethylene are also dissolved in there.

It sounds like the exposure that might happen, while not ideal, is at the lower threshold of toxicity, and probably not harmful if exposure is just short term (as opposed to continual and long term)?

OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.75 ppm.
short-term exposure limit (STEL) is 2ppm.

You'd have to figure what 10 ppm in solution evaluates to in vapor but I think you are safe. You won't exceed these limits. About asthama, no clue.

[cybergenesis]

Firstly thank you very much for your useful reply. It is interesting and it is hard for me to find answers, that's why I came to this forum, I am just expanding my knowledge.

I think BHT is a safe additive from what I understand and only present in small quantities, but I will read up on it again.

I have also read that the PEL and STEL are rather strict, I mean I have read various accounts of groups of people being exposed up to 10ppm for a period of half hour or so, without harmful effect. What true amount is harmful for short term exposure is probably far higher. From what I have read 30ppm and above inhaled for several minutes (or more) is more than likely to be getting into the "serious risk area" in terms of damage to the lungs, but the oral LD50 for an adults is like several thousand times higher when ingested (I read around 10-15ml). Seems to be directly damaging to the lung tissue in high concentrations (>30ppm) or longer term exposure. I am not convinced about it being too carcinogenic, unless the exposure is continual and longer term.

In regards to my asthma, it is under good control. I have powerful medications to control it. It is something I will have to look out for. If I start wheezing in proximity to the stuff then that will give me a clue

I am going to have to make sure I get better quality next order. I rushed the order when I did it and I missed some of the higher purity stuff they have for sale. Well I am learning to read the labels with greater care now.

Sorry I edited this post a few times to try and get it right.

I'll finish by saying that I am very interested in any knowledge anyone has of Diethyl Ether and issues relating to its chemical purity. Diethyl Ether- provided it is stabilized, is not something that especially concerns me in regards to handling or storage- I mean I feel I understand its nature enough to provide a controlled environment for it, I have great respect for this stuff. I have a great interest in the stuff for a multitude or reasons, it is a tool with many uses. It is also historically fascinating.

[billnotgatez]

I am wondering if you read the WIKI on Diethyl Etheras well as the MSDS

(as is my legal right)

That point of view may not be held by the law enforcement in your area
You should research that as well without drawing attention

My gut feeling is that Diethyl Ether and asthmatic may be an issue