Ethers flammable range

MTBE and related ethers are used to add octane to gasoline. MTBE also adds oxygen to the gasoline, which allows for more efficient combustion, and therefore less carbon monoxide and unbumed hydrocarbon in the exhaust emissions A relined grade of MTBE is used in the solvents and pharmaceutical industries. Its higher autoignition temperature and narrower flammability range also make it relatively safer to use compared to other ethers. 

Amyl nitrite is a yellowish liquid with an ethereal odor and a pungent taste. It is volatile and inflammahle at mom temperature. Amyl nitrite vapor forms an explosive mixture in air or oxygen. Inhalation of the vapor may involve definite explosion hazards if a source of ignition is pre.sent. as both room and htxly temperatures are within the flammability range of amyl nitrite mixtures with either air or oxygen. It is nearly insoluble in water but is miscible with organic-solvents. The nitrile also will decompo.se into valeric acid and nitric acid. 

Zert-Butyl methyl ether, now manufactured in bulk as a gasoline component, is a less hazardous extracting solvent than diethyl ether, as it scarcely forms peroxides, is less volatile (b.p. 55°C) and has a narrower flammable range (2.5-15%) in air [1]. However, fires involving it are difficult to extinguish with foam, as no film-forming elfect is shown [2]. 

There are seven hydrocarbon-derivative families whose primary hazard is flammability (see Chapter 2, Figure 2.63) alkyl halide, amine, ether, alcohol, ketone, aldehyde, and ester. The alkyl halides, amines, and ethers are nonpolar. The ethers, alcohols, and aldehydes are polar and have wide flammable ranges. Some organic acids are flammable inorganic acids do not bum. However, flammability is not the primary hazard of most organic acids. They will be discussed in detail in Chapter 10. 

Isopropyl ether (diisopropyl ether) is a colorless, volatile liquid, which is slightly soluble in water. The specific gravity is 0.7, which is lighter than water. It is highly flammable, with a wide flammable range of 1.4 to 21% in air. The boiling... 

Flammable Range Animal and Vegetable Oils Fire-Extingnishing Agents Flydrocarbons Flydrocarbon Derivatives Alkyl Halide Amines Ethers Alcohol Isomers Ketone Aldehyde Esters... 

Chemical Flash point rc) Flammable range in air (% by volume) Boiling point (°C) Vapor density (Air=1.0) Evaporation rate (Ether =1.0) Fire class Special hazard... 

They are very soluble in water, alcohols, ethers, and most polar solvents. At low temperatures, aqueous methylamines form crystalline hydrates CH3NH2-3H20, (CH3)2NH 7H2O, and (CH3)3N IOH2O. In the presence of ammonia, methylamines react explosively with mercury so instruments containing mercury should not be used on methylamines. The amines also are flammable in air. Their flammability ranges as well as some of their important physical properties are listed in Tables 28.16 and 28.17. 

---