Question

Grignard reactions are usually performed in ether solvent. Which statement below does not identify a safety concern associated with the use of diethyl ether in the lab?
A. Diethyl ether has a very low miscibility in waterB. Diethyl ether can form explosive peroxides when exposed to air and sunlightC. Diethyl ether has a powerful anesthetic effect if inhaledD. Diethyl ether is highly flammable, with a flash point of -40 degrees Celsius

Answer 1

Answer: A.  Diethyl ether has a very low miscibility in wate

The fact that the diethyl ether is miscible or not in water does not imply a risk for the person who is working with this reagent in the laboratory.

However, the fact that diethyl ether forms explosive peroxides and that it is highly flammable implies that there is a risk of explosion when exposed to air and sunlight. On the other hand, as option C mentions, if a person inhales a large quantity of this reagent, they may lose consciousness and suffer some injury when fainting, due to the powerful anesthetic effect of this reagent. In conclusion, options B, C and D are statements that imply safety problems associated with the use of diethyl ether in the laboratory, while option A does not imply it.