Diethyl ether facts for kids
Diethyl ether is a clear liquid chemical. It is often just called ether. Ether burns very easily and boils at about 35°C. It has a sweet smell and does not mix with water.
Ether was discovered in 1275. It was used in the past as a general anesthetic to make people unconscious during surgery. Now other chemicals are used because ether has side effects and can catch fire. Ether is used as a solvent by scientists for chemical reactions.
People used to take ether as a recreational drug in the 1800s. It became illegal to sell ether in Poland in 1923.
Ether is made as a byproduct when ethanol is made, so it is not very expensive.
Images for kids
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Panel from monument in Boston commemorating Morton's demonstration of ether's anesthetic use.
See also
In Spanish: Éter etílico para niños
