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The Chemistry of Hazardous Materials
Published in Armen S. Casparian, Gergely Sirokman, Ann O. Omollo, Rapid Review of Chemistry for the Life Sciences and Engineering, 2021
Armen S. Casparian, Gergely Sirokman, Ann O. Omollo
An important cautionary note about one class of organic compounds containing oxygen bears mentions, i.e., ethers, already mentioned in Chapter 9. Ethers are a class of compounds that contain the R1-O-R2 linkage or functional group, where R1 and R2 are alkyl or aryl groups (hydrocarbon chains). Diethyl ether, C2H5-O-C2H5, is an example of this functional group. Here, R1 = R2, but that is not always the case. Tetrahydrofuran is another example of an ether. Ethers stored in glass bottles or other suitable containers for long periods of time may leak, if not sealed tightly, absorb and react with ambient oxygen, and form unstable organic peroxides. Organic peroxides have a R1-O-O-R2 linkage and may be sensitive to mechanical shock and explode. If there are signs of crystallization or even cloudiness present, great care must be exercised in moving or opening such a bottle or container.
Wood and Wood Modification
Published in Dick Sandberg, Andreja Kutnar, Olov Karlsson, Dennis Jones, Wood Modification Technologies, 2021
Dick Sandberg, Andreja Kutnar, Olov Karlsson, Dennis Jones
In dimethyl ether ( CH3-O-CH3 ), the two carbon substituents called methyl groups ( CH3 ) are bonded covalently to the electronegative oxygen. The difference in electronegativity between those constituents is not so high that the bonding electron is not completely withdrawn towards the oxygen atom forming ions, but only polarises the bond so that the oxygen is partly negatively charged and the two carbon atoms partly positively charged (Figure 1.29). This leads to the formation of a dipole so that the angle between the two C-0 bonds is tetrahedral, meaning that the dimethyl ether molecule has a net polar character. Note that compounds like tetrachloromethane are non-polar as the centre of gravity of charges coalesce at the same spot.
Applied Chemistry and Physics
Published in Robert A. Burke, Applied Chemistry and Physics, 2020
Ether is represented by a single oxygen –O–. Since oxygen must have two connections to complete the bonding requirements, there will be two radicals in ether compounds. They may be the same radical as in methyl ether, or they may be different as in methyl, ethyl ether. Ethers are usually encountered as liquids; however, there are some ether compounds that are gases. Ether compounds have a wide flammable range of 2%–48% in air, which means they burn rich; fire may occur inside a container. Ether compounds are extremely flammable. Additionally, they are anesthetic and form explosive peroxides inside the container after exposure to the oxygen in the air. Ether is very dangerous in storage longer than 6 months. Ether containers should be dated when they are received in a facility and when they are opened. They should be disposed of after 6–12 months when opened, depending on the compound. If responders encounter ether containers in response or fire inspection situations, extreme caution should be used. Containers over 6–12 months old should be assumed to contain peroxides and handled by the bomb squad!
Exploring the potential of ternary fuel blends for enhanced engine efficiency and reduced emissions: application of multi-objective optimization
Published in Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 2023
Prabhakar Sharma, Maryom Dabi, Bibhuti B. Sahoo
From the outset, diethyl ether can be harmful to one’s health if mishandled or inhaled incorrectly. It is a volatile and highly combustible material that must be handled and kept with caution to avoid mishaps. Diethyl ether vapors can irritate the respiratory system and cause dizziness, nausea, and other side effects in some people. To prevent any dangers while using it, extensive safety procedures and proper processes must be implemented. Furthermore, while contemplating its use as a biodiesel ingredient, the flammability of diethyl ether should be investigated. Although biodiesel has a higher flash point than diesel, adding diethyl ether to the fuel blend may lower it. This increases the risk of fire or flame hazards during storage, transportation, or in the case of an accident. All safety measures were taken to ensure the safe transportation and consumption of diethyl ether-blended biodiesel (Devaraj, Robinson, and Ganapathi 2015; Tran et al. 2017).