Ethyl ether ignition temperature

The ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion. Table 2 also Hsts ignition temperatures of several common ethers. Attention is directed to the particularly low ignition temperature of ethyl ether, especially with reference to some common ignition sources such as a lighted cigarette (732°C) or a pressurized (0.7 MPa or 100 psi) steam line (180°C). 

The next simplest ether is the ether with the simplest alkane as one of the hydrocarbon backbones and the next alkane, which is methyl ethyl ether. Its molecular formula is CH3OC2H5. It is a colorless gas with the characteristic ether odor. It has a flash point of 31 °F, and an ignition temperature of only 374°F. This property, of course, makes it an extreme fire and explosion hazard. 

Avoid contact with air at elevated temperatures because of its low (unstated) ignition temperature. Bums moderately in the open, but may explode in a nearly closed vessel. Presence of mono- and di-chloroacetylenes as impurities increases the flammability hazard, which may be reduced by addition of 1% of ethyl ether. 

A flammable chemical substance is a solid, liquid, vapor, or gas that ignites easily and burns rapidly in air. Many of the flammable chemicals used in laboratories are flammable liquids and organic solvents. The vapors of these chemical substances form ignitable mixtures with air. Based on the flash points of these chemicals, classifications are made. The flash point of a chemical substance is defined as the lowest temperature at which a fuel-air mixture present above the surface of a liquid will ignite, if an ignition source is present. The common flammable chemical substances include, but are not restricted to, acetone, benzene, cyclohexane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl ether, gasoline, hexane, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, propanol, tetrahydro-furan and toluene, and xylene. 

SAFETY PROFILE Stable in dry air at room temperature. It decomposes above 125° forming Al, H2, and lithium hydride. Very powerful reducer. Can ignite if pulverized even in a dry box. Reacts violendy with air, acids, alcohols, benzoyl peroxide, boron trifluoride etherate, (2-chloromethyl furan + ethyl acetate), diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, (nitriles + H2O), perfiuorosuccinamide,... 

AS (9004-70-0) Flammable solid (flash point —64°F/—53°C cc). The dry material is a fire and explosion hazard often wetted with water, denatured ethanol, or ethyl alcohol-ethyl ether solution (flash point <—4°F/< —18°C). Dry material, resulting from evaporation, can deflagrate [ignite explosively (flash point 55°F/12°C)]. Contact with strong oxidizers or elevated temperatures can cause fire and explosion. May accumulate static electrical charges may cause ignition of its vapors. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings. 

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