Using Diethyl Ether in a Liquid-Liquid Extraction

[Larry]

Hello everyone,

I am testing out an extraction method which requires adding diethyl ether:dichloromethane (3:2, v/v) to my sample. Ive never worked with diethyl ether and my concern is how should I handle the solvent as I remove it from its container (sure/seal), further, should I be concerned about drying down approx 6ml of the solution at the end of the extraction. Thanks

[Noser222]

it's a little less volatile than dichloromethane, but as long as you're not near any flames or sparks, it shouldn't present any problems that you're not used to

[Bruce Hamilton]

Provided the diethyl ether container is fresh, you don't have to worry about explosive peroxides. The quantities that you're working with are too small for a big bang, and if you have a fire, the dichloromethane vapours will probably quench it.

Seriously, the hazard of peroxides is real, but they usually only form in unstabilised or old diethyl ether ( most grades have Cu, EtOH or BHT stabilizers ).

Working with 10s of mLs of freshly-opened DEE usually isn't an issue, even when you evaporate down to dryness. Just wear the normal safety PPE and use a safety shield or fume hood door.

Please keep having fun,

Bruce Hamilton