ETHERS
When ethyl alcohol is heated to 140° with sulphuric acid the reaction expressed by the following equation takes place:
2C2H5OH = (C2H5)2O + H2O.
The resulting compound, (C2H5)2O, is ordinary ether and is the most important member of the class of compounds called ethers. Ordinarily ether is a light, very inflammable liquid boiling at 35°. It is used as a solvent for organic substances and as an anæsthetic in surgical operations.