Chromatography Forum

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

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

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