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Diethyl-Ether

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Subjective Effects
Interactions
Tolerance
Legality
Diethyl-Ether molecule structureDiethyl-Ether molecule structure
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Chemical Class
Ether

Diethyl-Ether is an ether-class organic compound and industrial solvent that is sometimes used recreationally as a depressant and dissociative anesthetic. It is colorless1, pungent and sweetish-smelling1, and extremely flammable2. Its effects are described as similar to alcohol and typically brief, while breath can retain a strong ether taste and odor long after the experience ends. It was formerly used as a general anesthetic3.

Dosage & Duration

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Duration

After Effects6 hours

Subjective Effects

Subjective Effects not written up yet

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Diethyl ether inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase, slowing ethanol metabolism,4 and also inhibits the oxidative metabolism of other drugs that require hepatic oxidation.

Pharmacokinetics

A cytochrome P450 enzyme is proposed to metabolize diethyl ether.5

Metabolitesnone documented yet

Interactions

Interactions not written up yet

An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.

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Tolerance

Tolerance not written up yet

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

Moderate

Classified as habit-forming. As a dissociative anesthetic with depressant properties, it carries potential for psychological dependence with repeated use.

History & Culture

Diethyl ether may have been synthesized by Jābir ibn Hayyān in the 8th century or by Ramon Llull in 1275. Making ether from alcohol and sulfuric acid was known around the 13th century6. Valerius Cordus synthesized it in 1540,7…

Legality

Legality not written up yet

References

Citations

  1. Ethyl ether. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC) (2019). https://portugues.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0277.html12
  2. ICSC 0355: Diethyl Ether. International Labour Organization / World Health Organization (2024). https://chemicalsafety.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.display?p_card_id=0355&p_lang=en&p_version=21
  3. Inhalation anaesthesia: from diethyl ether to xenon. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology / PubMed (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-74806-9_61
  4. Diethyl ether inhibits ethanol metabolism in vivo by interaction with alcohol dehydrogenase. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (1987). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.1987.tb01282.x1
  5. Diethyl ether as a substrate for acetone/ethanol-inducible cytochrome P-450 and as an inducer for cytochrome(s) P-450. Molecular Pharmacology (1988). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33400791
  6. Ether. Encyclopaedia Britannica (1911), via Wikisource (1911). https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page:EB1911_-_Volume_09.djvu/838123
  7. Cordus’ Synthesis of Ether. Anesthesiology Reflections / Wood Library-Museum (2009). https://doi.org/10.1097/01.anes.0000361292.45205.5e12
  8. The Genesis of Surgical Anesthesia. Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (1998). https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/e-books/s_aabapdf.pdf1

Article Status

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