Dibutyl ether is a colourless, neutral, readily flammable liquid of low volatility with a characteristic odour. It is insoluble in water, but miscible with most common organic solvents. It should also be protected from heat, light and air because of the danger of peroxide formation.
Molecular formula: C8H18O
Mol.-weight: 130.22
• Solvent for Grignard syntheses
• Technical solvent for fats, oils, organic acids,
alkaloids, natural and synthetic resins Extractant • Constituent of catalysts for (co-) polymerisations
• For manufacturing of pesticides (e.g. Cyhexatin)
Melting point: −92.5 °C
Boiling point (101.3 kPa): 142.4 °C
Boiling point (3.2 kPa): 47.5 °C
Solubility in water (20 °C): 0.03 %
Water absorption (20 °C): 0.19 %