Di-n-propyl ether
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Di-n-propyl ether}}
{{Chembox
| ImageFile = Di-n-propylether Structural Formulae.svg
| Name = Di-n-propyl ether
| PIN = 1-Propoxypropane
| OtherNames = Propyl ether, di-
Dipropyl ether, normal isomer
Di-n-propyl ether
| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
| CASNo = 111-43-3
| CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| UNII = 42Q250HS4G
| PubChem = 8114
| ChemSpiderID = 7823
| SMILES = O(CCC)CCC
| InChI = 1/C6H14O/c1-3-5-7-6-4-2/h3-6H2,1-2H3
| InChIKey = POLCUAVZOMRGSN-UHFFFAOYAT
| StdInChI = 1S/C6H14O/c1-3-5-7-6-4-2/h3-6H2,1-2H3
| StdInChIKey = POLCUAVZOMRGSN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
}}
| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
| C=6 | H=14 | O=1
| Appearance = Colorless liquid
| Density = 0.75 g/cm3{{GESTIS|ZVG=510206}}
| MeltingPtC = -122
| BoilingPtC = 90
| Solubility = 3 g/L (20 °C)
}}
| Section3 = {{Chembox Hazards
| MainHazards =
| FlashPtC =-18
| AutoignitionPt =
| NFPA-H = 1
| NFPA-F = 3
| NFPA-R = 1
}}
}}
Dipropyl ether is the symmetrical ether of two n-propyl groups. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor typical of ethers.
Preparation
=Acid catalyzed ether synthesis=
Dipropyl ether can be synthesized by reacting two molecules of n-propanol in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid (a strong acid) and heat, in the same way other symmetrical ethers may be formed.{{Cite book| title = Merck Index of Chemicals and Drugs | edition = 14th | year = 2006| isbn=978-0-911910-00-1|editor1=O'Neil, Maryadele |editor2=Heckelman, Patricia |editor3=Koch, Cherie |editor4=Roman, Kristin | publisher = Merck Research Laboratories}}
=Williamson ether synthesis=
This ether may also be prepared by way of the Williamson ether synthesis in which n-propoxide, the conjugate base of n-propanol, is reacted with an n-propyl halide:{{Cite book| title = Organic Chemistry, 3rd ed.| year = 2004| isbn=978-0763735869|author1=Fox, Marye |author2=Whitesell, James | publisher = Jones & Bartlett Publishers}}
Safety
As is typical of ethers, dipropyl ether may slowly form explosive organic peroxides over long periods in storage. Antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene are often added to ethers to prevent this process.{{cite web | url = http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sial/296082?lang=en®ion=US | title = Diethyl ether product listing | publisher = Sigma-Aldrich | accessdate = 2012-07-03}}
Due to the shock and light sensitive nature of organic peroxides, dipropyl ether should never be boiled or evaporated to dryness. This concentrates peroxides that may be present, which can then detonate unexpectedly destroying the vessel in which they have deposited or igniting nearby flammable liquids.{{cite web | url = http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/organic/organic_peroxide.html#_1_2 | title = Organic peroxide hazards | publisher = Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety | accessdate = 2012-07-03}}