Ethyl ether, also known as diethyl ether or simply ether, is a colorless, highly volatile, and extremely flammable liquid with the chemical formula (C2H5)2O. It is an organic compound that is commonly used as a solvent, particularly in organic chemistry experiments and as an anesthetic agent in medicine. Ethyl ether has a sweet, characteristic odor and a low boiling point, and it is relatively non-polar and chemically stable. However, it is highly flammable and can form explosive peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air. Ethyl ether is also classified as a hazardous substance due to its potential health and environmental hazards, such as its toxicity and flammability.
