Ethanol anesthetic agents

Ethanol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that initially and selectively depresses some of the most active portions of the brain (reticular activity system and cortex). The mechanism of action most likely involves interference with ion transport at the axonal cell membrane rather than at the synapse, similar to the action of other anesthetic agents. Ethanol can bind directly to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in the CNS and cause... 

Bk very simple alcohol ethanol has a long hi.slory of u.se i> a sedative and hypnotic. Its mtxies of action were dc-teribed under the anesthetic heading and are said to apply III other alcohols. It is widely u.scd in self-medication us a Kdalive-hypnotic. Because this use has so many hazards, it is seklum a preferred agent medically. 

Diethyl ether is a usefnl solvent for organic reactions, and was formerly used as an anesthetic. It can be prodnced by a condensation reaction (a reaction in which a small molecule such as water is split out) between two molecnles of ethanol in the presence of concentrated snlfnric acid as a dehydrating agent ... 

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