Diethyl ether is used as an **anesthetic** historically and as a solvent. Why is it stored over **freshly cut sodium wire**?
ASodium catalyses reactions
BSodium removes moisture and slowly decomposes any peroxides formed (ether forms peroxides on standing — explosive)
CSodium makes ether more flammable
DSodium colours it blue
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Sodium removes moisture and slowly decomposes any peroxides formed (ether forms peroxides on standing — explosive)
Diethyl ether autoxidises slowly with O₂ → unstable peroxides (R-O-O-R), which can detonate on distillation or heating. Sodium dries (consumes water) and reduces peroxides. Solid Na in ether bottles also indicates wet ether: bubbling = water present.