English Name: Diisopropyl Ether (Abbreviation: DIPE); iso-Propyl Ether
Synonym: 二异丙醚 (Chinese)
UN Number: 1159
Appearance: Colorless liquid with an ether-like odor (similar to diethyl ether).
Melting Point: -85.9℃ (note: earlier data may cite -60℃ due to impurity differences; pure grade typically follows -85.9℃)
Boiling Point: 68.5℃
Relative Density (Water = 1): 0.73 (at 20℃)
Relative Vapor Density (Air = 1): 3.52 (vapor is heavier than air, prone to accumulating in low-lying areas)
Saturated Vapor Pressure: 16.00 kPa (at 20℃; high volatility, leading to rapid vapor concentration buildup)
Flash Point: -9℃ (closed cup; classified as extremely flammable liquid, requiring strict fire prevention)
Explosion Limits: 1.0%–21.0% (volume fraction in air, at 100℃; wide explosion range, high risk of detonation)
Autoignition Temperature: 442℃
Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, benzene, and chloroform.
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Chemical Stability: Exhibits typical ether chemical properties. It is unstable when exposed to light and air—it easily reacts with oxygen to form organic peroxides (e.g., hydroperoxides). These peroxides are highly explosive, especially when concentrated (e.g., during distillation) or shaken, which may trigger detonation.
Stabilization Measures: To prevent peroxide formation, industrial-grade diisopropyl ether is usually added with stabilizers such as p-benzylaminophenol or hydroquinone. Before use (especially for distillation), it is recommended to test for peroxide content (using potassium iodide-starch paper; a blue color indicates peroxide presence) and neutralize with sodium sulfite solution if necessary.
Compatibility: Reacts violently with strong oxidants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid) and strong acids (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid), releasing heat or toxic gases; it is relatively stable with weak acids and alkalis under normal conditions.
3. Key Applications
3.1 Solvent
Serves as an excellent solvent for animal, vegetable, and mineral oils. It is used to extract nicotine from tobacco leaves (due to its high selectivity for alkaloids) and as a solvent in pharmaceutical synthesis (e.g., dissolving fat-soluble drug intermediates).
Applied in cleaning processes for paints, varnishes, and smokeless powders—effectively removing resin residues and oil stains without damaging base materials.
3.2 Extractant
Used for concentrating and recovering dilute solutions of acetic acid or butyric acid (forming an azeotrope with the acid to improve separation efficiency, reducing energy consumption compared to direct distillation).
Acts as an extraction solvent for sodium thiocyanate in the wet acrylic fiber production process—separating sodium thiocyanate from aqueous solutions to realize recycling.
3.3 Gasoline Additive
Has a high octane number (RON ~110) and anti-freezing properties. When blended into gasoline (typically at 5%–10% volume ratio), it improves the fuel’s anti-knock performance and low-temperature fluidity, reducing engine wear.
4. Safety Information
4.1 Health Hazards
Inhalation/Contact: Vapors or mists irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, skin, and upper respiratory tract. Short-term exposure may cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, vomiting, and mild anesthesia; long-term repeated skin contact can lead to contact dermatitis (manifested as redness, itching, and dryness).
Toxicity Data: Acute oral LD₅₀ for rats is ~8470 mg/kg (low toxicity), but high-concentration vapor inhalation can cause central nervous system depression (e.g., dizziness, confusion).
4.2 Fire and Explosion Hazards
Extremely flammable: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air; contact with open flames, high heat, or electrostatic sparks (e.g., from ungrounded equipment) can trigger combustion or explosion.
Vapor spread risk: Being heavier than air, vapors can travel along the ground to distant ignition sources and flash back, leading to secondary explosions.
4.3 Protective Measures
Personal Protection: Wear nitrile chemical-resistant gloves (avoiding latex, which is soluble in ethers), safety goggles, and a organic vapor respirator (N95 or higher grade) in poorly ventilated areas.
Workplace Safety: Use explosion-proof electrical equipment (e.g., lamps, motors) and ground all containers to eliminate static; prohibit smoking or using open flames within 50 meters of the storage/operation area.
5. Packaging and Storage
5.1 Packaging
Industrial Grade (Bulk): Packaged in 145 kg galvanized steel drums (inner wall coated with epoxy resin to prevent corrosion and metal ion contamination) or 1000 L IBC tanks (high-density polyethylene inner liner, with a steel frame for anti-collision).
Reagent Grade (Small Volume): Available in 500 mL or 1 L amber glass bottles (to block light and slow peroxide formation), sealed with PTFE-lined caps.
5.2 Storage
Store in a cool, well-ventilated, explosion-proof warehouse with a temperature not exceeding 30℃; avoid direct sunlight and heat sources (e.g., radiators, heaters).
Keep containers tightly sealed to reduce volatilization and air contact; store separately from oxidants, strong acids, and food chemicals (no mixed storage to prevent reactions).
Regularly inspect for leaks and peroxide buildup; discard products that have exceeded the shelf life (usually 6 months for unstabilized grades) or show discoloration (yellow/brown indicates peroxide formation).
5.3 Transportation
Transport in accordance with UN 1159 regulations: Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Packing Group II. Use dedicated explosion-proof tank trucks; avoid severe collisions or exposure to high temperatures (e.g., transporting at night in summer).