ethyl ether
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A colorless, volatile, highly flammable liquid with the chemical formula (C₂H₅)₂O. It was formerly used as a general inhalation anesthetic due to its ability to induce unconsciousness.
Usage
The term "ethyl ether" is used primarily in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts to refer to this specific chemical compound. It is a technical term.
Examples
- The laboratory stored ethyl ether in a special fireproof cabinet due to its flammability.
- Before modern anesthetics, surgeons often used ethyl ether to render patients unconscious during operations.
- Ethyl ether is an excellent solvent for many organic reactions.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Medical Context: The phrase "under ether" was common to describe a patient anesthetized with this compound.
- The patient was put under ether for the lengthy procedure.
- Chemical Synonym: In many chemical contexts, it is simply called "ether," though this can refer to a broader class of compounds.
Variants and Related Words
- Ether (noun): A common shorter name for ethyl ether. Also refers to a class of organic compounds with an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl groups.
- Diethyl Ether (noun): The systematic IUPAC name for ethyl ether, emphasizing its chemical structure.
- Solvent Ether (noun): A name highlighting one of its primary industrial uses.
Synonyms
- Diethyl ether
- Ether (in specific contexts)
- Sulfuric ether (an older term)
Related Phrases
- Anesthetic ether: Specifies its historical use in medicine.
- To etherize (verb, archaic): To administer ethyl ether as an anesthetic.
Noun
- a colorless volatile highly inflammable liquid formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic