14.6: Autoxidation of Ethers
- Page ID
- 183039
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Over time ethers that are exposed to air will autoxidize to peroxides which are potentially explosive. The general reaction is shown below.
For example, diisopropyl ether will autoxidize to the products shown in the reaction below.
How to avoid explosions.
- buy ether in small quantities
- keep containers tightly sealed
- use opened containers promptly
- discard suspect containers