Where to Buy Anhydrous Diethyl Ether in Small Amounts
Anhydrous diethyl ether is available in small quantities, typically 100 mL bottles, from common chemical suppliers such as Sigma-Aldrich and similar vendors. These suppliers provide SureSeal bottles designed to maintain airtight conditions, making them suitable for laboratory use.
Purchasing Options
- Sigma-Aldrich: Offers anhydrous diethyl ether in 100 mL SureSeal containers. This size caters to labs needing small amounts without excess waste.
- Other chemical vendors: Companies like Fisher Scientific and Alfa Aesar also sell similar sizes, usually sealed to prevent moisture ingress.
These vendors require proper credentials, such as a business or institutional account, due to the solvent’s flammability and regulatory restrictions.
Maintaining Anhydrous Conditions
After purchase, anhydrous diethyl ether must be stored carefully to avoid moisture contamination. One reliable method is to keep it over molecular sieves in a flask compatible with Schlenk line techniques. This setup prevents exposure to atmospheric moisture and maintains dryness for longer periods.
Purifying Anhydrous Ether at Home or Lab
For users unable to obtain anhydrous ether directly, purification is possible. Distillation over sodium wire and benzophenone under inert atmosphere can regenerate anhydrous conditions. This method removes water and stabilizes the solvent by forming a deep blue benzophenone ketyl radical complex.
Alternative Drying Suggestions
Some experimental approaches include placing drying packets capable of absorbing water and air under the container lid. While unverified, these may aid in slowing moisture absorption during storage.
| Method | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase from vendors | Buy 100 mL SureSeal bottles from suppliers | Preferred for immediate use and ensured dryness |
| Store over molecular sieves | Use Schlenk line flasks with sieves | Maintain dryness during ongoing experiments |
| Distill from Na/benzophenone | Re-dry ether via distillation technique | Regenerate anhydrous solvent from moist stock |
| Drying packets under lid | Attach moisture absorbers in container | Experimental; potential slight improvement in storage |
Key Points
- Anhydrous diethyl ether is commonly sold in 100 mL SureSeal bottles by suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich.
- Handling requires dry, airtight storage; molecular sieves and Schlenk flasks help maintain dryness.
- Dry ether can be regenerated by distillation over sodium and benzophenone under inert atmosphere.
- Using drying packets inside container lids is an experimental method to reduce moisture ingress.
Where can I buy small amounts of anhydrous diethyl ether?
Many chemical suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich sell anhydrous diethyl ether in 100 mL SureSeal bottles. These vendors typically accommodate small quantity requests.
How should I store anhydrous diethyl ether to keep it dry?
Store the ether over molecular sieves inside a flask compatible with Schlenk line techniques. This helps maintain dryness during storage.
Can I dry or purify diethyl ether myself?
Yes, distilling diethyl ether over sodium wire and benzophenone under inert atmosphere removes moisture and regenerates anhydrous ether.
Are there any experimental methods to keep ether dry inside its container?
Some suggest taping packets of moisture-absorbing material under the container lid. This may help absorb water and air, though effectiveness varies.
Is it difficult to find vendors selling less than 100 mL?
Most suppliers usually start at 100 mL sizes. Smaller volumes may be less common and harder to source due to handling and packaging restrictions.
Leave a Comment