What Is a Methyl Propyl Ether?
Methyl propyl ether is an ether compound that is liquid at room temperature.
It is also known by other names such as methoxypropane and methyl n-propyl ether, and by trade names such as “metopryl” and “neothyl. At room temperature (around 20°C), it is a clear, colorless liquid with an ethereal odor and soluble in water.
It has a low boiling point of 38.8°C and should be stored in a cool, dark place because it vaporizes easily when heated. It is a highly flammable liquid.
Uses of Methyl Propyl Ethers
1. As an Extraction Solvent
The main uses of methyl propyl ethers are as an organic solvent and synthetic raw material. It is used in factories and laboratories as a solvent for extraction and purification, and as a raw material in the production of aluminum hydride.
Diethyl ether is a typical ether-based solvent, but methyl propyl ethers have some differences, such as lower solubility in water than diethyl ether. Therefore, when used in extraction and aliquot operations, substances behave differently from diethyl ether and may be used differently.
2. Anesthetic
It was once used as an anesthetic because of its anesthetic effect when vapors are inhaled. However, since it is highly flammable and dangerous to store and use, halogenated ethers, which are less flammable, are now used as anesthetics.
Before methyl propyl ethers, diethyl ether, which is even more flammable, was used as an anesthetic. There is a history of transition to substances that are less flammable and safer to handle.
Characteristics of Methyl Propyl Ethers
Methyl propyl ethers is an asymmetric ether with methyl and propyl groups, and its chemical formula is C4H100. The basic properties (molecular weight, specific gravity, and solubility) of methyl propyl ethers are as follows:
- Molecular weight: 74.12
- Density: 0.73 g/cm3
- Solubility: Soluble in water (5mL/100mL at 25°C), miscible with ethers and alcohols
Compared to diethyl ether (molecular weight 74.12, density 0.71 g/cm3, solubility in water 9.7mL/100mL), which is a typical ether, it has slightly larger density and slightly lower solubility in water.
Other Information on Methyl Propyl Ethers
1. Flammability
Methyl propyl ether is a flammable liquid. Its flash point (the temperature at which flammable vapors are generated at the lower end of the flammable range at atmospheric pressure) is lower than -20°C, and it can easily ignite even at room temperature. For this reason, it is classified as a “special flammable substance,” which is one of the most dangerous of all hazardous substances.
Even the mere presence of methyl propyl ethers vapor can cause a fire, so ventilation through drafts or local exhaust ventilation is required. Vapor density is higher than that of air, and in case of leakage, it may stay on the floor.
Vapors in the flammable range can be ignited by sparks from static electricity, etc. Therefore, lighting and electrical equipment in facilities used for storage and use should also be explosion-proof. In addition, since the boiling point is 38.8°C, measures such as storing in a cool, dark place are necessary to prevent evaporation at high temperatures during the summer.
2. Anesthetic Action
Methyl propyl ethers have an anesthetic effect, so measures must be taken to prevent inhalation when using it. When large amounts are used in factories, etc., have workers wear protective equipment such as air-supply masks and ventilate the room. In addition, ensure to work upwind when using, to avoid inhalation.
If methyl propyl ethers are accidentally inhaled, immediately move the worker to fresh air and rest in a position comfortable for breathing. If unconscious or feeling unwell, medical attention is required.
It is also important to set up work procedures so that two or more people always work together in order to provide treatment immediately and contact a medical institution in the event of an inhalation accident.
3. Explosive Oxides
As with other ethers, oxidation may occur under ultraviolet light, etc., resulting in explosive oxides. If explosive oxides accumulate, there is a risk of explosion upon heating or impact.
To prevent the accumulation of oxides, it is effective to add antioxidants (hydroquinone, etc.) and to shield the product from oxygen and ultraviolet rays. When using methyl propyl ethers that have been stored for a long period, it is safer to check for the accumulation of oxides with a test paper.