rocketman - 28-7-2015 at 23:01
Okay, so I've distilled myself some ethanol. The aim is to make ether. Now my ethanol almost certainly contains some water. I'm waiting for CaO to
arrive, but my question is this: Can one synthesize ether if the ethanol contains water?
Thanks.
Pumukli - 29-7-2015 at 03:05
Yes, he/she can.
Once in a chemistry class our teacher demonstrated diethyl-ether synthesis by dripping alcohol into a flask containing sand and cc. sulfuric acid. The
ethanol was not anhydrous as far as I remember.
Optimal temperature for the ether production is around 130 Celsius. Above that, around 160, the ethylene synthesis becomes the prevalent route.
annaandherdad - 29-7-2015 at 07:17
Be careful with this, ether is extremely flammable. Take a look at the youtube video by Red Nile before you do this. I'd also review the relevant
contents of this forum, that will take some time.
battoussai114 - 29-7-2015 at 07:43
AFAIK yes. I'm not sure if the reaction of ethanol with the acid is an equilibrium or not, if it is it could be that having more water wouldn't be
favorable as the reaction produces water. Someone who has more experience with OC should be more able to help...
And I'll second here that ether is flammable and volatile, BE CAREFUL!
Corrosive Joeseph - 29-7-2015 at 09:07
Check this out.....................
http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=9747#p...
diggafromdover - 29-7-2015 at 09:46
You may want to have a look at automotive starter fluid, which is mostly ether. You can use it for a test of your distillation setup, focusing on
issues of flammability, volatility and storage. That way, when you get into the nasty stuff, you will be able to focus on the reaction end without
sweating takeoff and recovery.
Ether forms shock sensitive peroxides over time in storage in an oxygenated environment. boom, boom, boom, boom.
[Edited on 29-7-2015 by diggafromdover]