Use of Ethers in the Healthcare Industry: Introduction and Explanation

Diethyl ether or simply ether is a class of organic compounds that constitute an oxygen atom attached to two alkyl or aryl groups. The word ‘ether’ is derived from the Latin word ‘aether’ meaning ‘to ignite’. Ethers were discovered in 1275. They have a structure very similar to that of water or alcohol and are pleasant-smelling and colorless liquids. Some of the prominent uses of ethers are as general anesthetics to make people unconscious during surgeries. In this article, we will learn more interesting facts about the structure, composition, properties, and uses of ether. 

Key Takeaways: Ether, Diethyl ether, Alkyl, Aryl, Anesthetic, Therapeutic, Pain-Killers, Antiseptics, Solvent, Ethanol, Drugs

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Ether: Structure And Properties

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The use of ethers dates back to the 1800s. Back then they were used as recreational drugs. Ether is a less dense liquid and partially soluble in water. They are highly unreactive and find use predominantly as solvents for fats, oils, waxes, perfumes, food flavors, dyes, gums, etc. Ethers are the byproducts of ethanol synthesis and are hence less expensive.

Structure

An ether group is formed from an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general formula for ether is R-O-R, R-O-R’, R-O-Ar, or Ar-O-Ar, where the R represents the alkyl group and Ar represents the aryl group. The oxygen is more electronegative in comparison to the carbon atoms.

Ethers are further classified as Symmetrical Ethers (two identical groups attached to either side of the oxygen atom) or Asymmetrical Ethers (two different groups attached to either side of the oxygen atom).

Structure of Ether

Properties

Ethers are primarily 96 percent absolute ethyl oxide and 4 percent alcohols with little water. The specific gravity ranges from 0.725 to 0.728 at 590F. This makes them lighter than water but their vapor is heavier than air and is highly explosive. When kept outdoors ethers are highly volatile and produce a cooling effect. A hot and pungent odor is characteristic of ethers. The important properties of ethers are-

• Polarity

The presence of alkyl groups on either side of the central oxygen atom makes ethers non-polar. In comparison, ethers are less polar than esters, alcohols, and amines with similar molecular weights. This is because the oxygen atom that is surrounded by the bulkier alkyl groups in ethers does not participate in hydrogen bonding. Ethers are, however, more polar than alkenes.

Boiling Point

The boiling points of ethers are comparable to alkanes but lower than alcohols of comparable molecular weights. The primary reason for the lower boiling points is due to the absence of hydrogen bonding in ethers owing to the unreactive oxygen. 

• Dipole Moment

The C-O-C bond angle in ethers is not at 1800. As a result, the two dipole moments of the C-O- bonds do not cancel each other, making the net dipole moment very small. 

• Solubility

The solubility of ethers in water is almost similar to that of alcohols of comparable molecular weights. This is because the oxygen atom with less bulky alkyl or aryl groups can form hydrogen bonds with water. However, as the carbon atoms increase, the solubility decreases. The increased hydrocarbon content reduces the tendency of the oxygen atom in ethers to form hydrogen bonds. 

• Hybridization

The oxygen atom surrounded by the alkyl groups in ethers is sp3 hybridized at an angle of 109.50.

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Industrial Uses of Ethers

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Ethers are colorless liquids that are highly flammable, volatile, and sweet-smelling at room temperature. As a result, they are stored in brown-colored bottles to prevent their reaction to light and thereby putting out a fire. Ethers are common linkages in carbohydrates and lignin. Some industrial uses are-

1. Ethers are capable of dissolving oils, fats, resins, caoutchouc, organic alkaloids, and gums. As a result, they are used as a very common solvent. Diethyl Ether (C₄H₁₀O) is commonly used as a solvent, owing to its restricted solubility in water (6.05 g/100 cc at 25^oC).
2. Due to the flammable and volatile properties, ethers are used as refrigerants and along with petrol for motor fuels. 
3. Ethers are used as a non-polar solvent in liquid-liquid extraction techniques. 
4. Ethers are also a standard solvent for Grignard reaction or as an alternative to organometallic compounds. 
5. Phenyl ethers are used as heat transfer media due to their high boiling point. 
6. Ethers find limited application as cleaning and spotting agents.
7. Ethers are used to increase viscosity in the form of penetrants, wetting agents, antioxidants, and stabilizers.
8. Ethers are, however, listed under United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Minimum Expanding Substances.

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Uses of Ethers in The Healthcare Industry 

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Ethers are known for a variety of applications in the pharmaceutics and the healthcare industry. Some of the common uses are-

• Therapeutic 

Spirit of Ether which is a common form of ether is made from one part of diethyl ether with three parts of ethanol. This mixture when diluted with alcohol readily mixes with water. Since ancient times this mixture was hence used to influence nervous stimulations, treat flatulent pains, gastric uneasiness, treatment of nervous headaches, and spasmodic diseases. 

• Antiseptic 

Ethers are used as antiseptics while administering injections to patients. Cotton balls dipped in the ether are used to disinfect the skin where the injection is to be given.

• Anesthetic 

Diethyl ether is used as an anesthetic in hospitals. It helps patients to slip into a state of unconsciousness, allowing surgeons to operate on patients without any hassles during surgeries. The volatility of ethers and the vapors released are inhaled by patients or administered intravenously allowing the muscles to relax gradually.

• Pain Reliever 

Ethers are also employed as pain relievers in the form of Methoxymethane and are primary ingredients in the drug morphine. 

• Recreational Drug 

Earlier ethers were once used as appealing recreational drugs. When used in controlled amounts, inhalation of this induced euphoria and sedation. However, overdoses caused serious respiratory paralysis and turned fatal, thereby ethers are restricted in this form.

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Things to Remember

• Ethers are a class of organic compounds that have an oxygen atom attached to the alkyl groups or aryl groups.
• Based on the type of alkyl or aryl group attached to either side of the oxygen atom, ethers can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
• An unreactive central oxygen atom makes ethers less polar in comparison to esters, alcohols, and amines of comparable masses. 
• The boiling points of ethers are comparably lower making them extremely volatile. The solubility of ethers decreases as the hydrocarbon content increases. 
• Ethers find a wide variety of industrial applications as solvents, refrigerants, wetting agents, penetrants, antioxidants, and stabilizers.
• In the healthcare industry, ethers are used as therapeutic agents, pain killers, antiseptics, anesthetics, and recreational drugs.

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