ether
A colorless liquid ((CH 5 )
2 O), with a pleasant, characteristic
odor. It is highly volatile and its vapor, which
is strongly narcotic, forms an explosive mixture
with air. It is soluble in water to 7%. soluble in
strong sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, and
miscible with many organic solvents. Ether is
manufactured by passing alcohol vapor into a
mixture of 92% alcohol and 67% sulfuric acid at
128 C. It may also be produced as a byproduct in
the manufacture of alcohol and ethylene. It is
used as a solvent.