Proof of Concept: Is Small-scale Production of Diethyl Ether for Anesthetic Use Possible?

Clinicians face numerous challenges when providing effective anesthesia in the setting of humanitarian crisis or armed conflict. Anesthetic supply limitations often stand as a critical gap in these environments. Due to its clinical safety profile and relatively simple production, diethyl ether (Et2O) may offer a solution in such situations.

The dehydration of ethanol (EtOH) using an acid-catalyzed reaction was conducted twice. Sulfuric acid was added to a solution of ethanol in a glass flask that was heated to approximately 145 °C, promoting the formation of Et2O and water. At this temperature, Et2O was isolated from the solution through fractional distillation and collected in a flask that was cooled in an ice bath. The distillate was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy.

Two samples of Et2O were obtained using an acid-promoted dehydration of ethanol. Analysis of the samples using 1H NMR spectroscopy led to the identification of two components, Et2O and EtOH, whose identities were confirmed by comparison of the constituent peaks to known chemical shifts. Integration of the relevant peaks suggested a Et2O purity of approximately 97%.

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that relatively pure Et2O can feasibly be produced and isolated on a small scale using an acid-catalyzed dehydration reaction with fractional distillation.