Diethyl ether - use in medicine

Ethers are products of substitution of the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group of alcohols or phenols for the carboxylic radical R: R1-O-R2. Diethyl ether is the formula H3C-O-CH3. Esters are characterized by isomerism of the hydrocarbon chain and metamerism. The first kind of isomerism is due to the branching of the hydrocarbon chain. Metamerism is a kind of isomerism in which two or more ether have the same molecular formula, but different structure of molecules, caused by different radicals on both sides of the oxygen bridge.

Diethyl ether: preparation

Ethers are produced synthetically (in nature they are not found in the free state). In order to synthesize esters, several methods can be used: the dehydration of alcohols with the help of mineral acids, the interaction of alcoholates with halogen by alkyls. Dimethyl as well as methylethyl esters have a gaseous state, the following several representatives - solutions, higher - solids. Ethers are poorly soluble in water, but well in organic solvents, and medium agents (diethyl ether, propyl and dipropyl ethers) are excellent organic solvents. Their physical properties vary with the molecular weight. Diethyl ether is well mixed with alcohol, chloroform, benzene, ethereal, as well as with fatty oils. If the conditions for storing the ether are violated, toxic and explosive compounds, hydroperoxides, form in it.

Diethyl ether is used in medicine. It is used for inhalation anesthesia. This type of anesthesia is characterized by a pronounced stage of excitation (cardiac activity is increased, vascular tone is increased, catecholamine excretion is activated, the concentration of glucose, pyruvic and lactate acids increases in the blood, the secretory and motor functions of the digestive tract are inhibited). It should be noted that when using this type of ether, anesthesia occurs slowly, and very often you have to observe a strong excitement and motor activity. In general, anesthesia has a multifaceted effect on the human body (muscular-relaxing, analgesic and narcotic).

Local action of the ether manifests itself in the form of irritation of nerve endings, as a result of which the patient feels a cooling effect. In connection with this, sometimes it is used inside to regulate the motor function of the stomach, and subcutaneously - for reflex excitation of respiration and improving blood circulation. When inhaled, ether pairs irritate the respiratory tract, which first causes reflex inhibition of respiration, and then activates the secretion of the bronchial glands. For the first time, diethyl ether was used by an outstanding Russian surgeon for inhalation anesthesia. Pirogov, the founder of military field surgery, during the Crimean War (1853-1856 gg.).

Diethyl ether is easily absorbed by the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, but complete anesthesia occurs a little later than chloroform. The narcotic effect is manifested only when 5-8% of the ether vapor mixture is inhaled, and complete anesthesia occurs within 30 minutes after inhalation of 10% of the mixture. Narcotic effect of the drug is manifested in a concentration of 110 to 150 mg per 100 ml of blood, paralysis of the respiratory center occurs at 200 mg / 100 ml of blood. The total toxicity of the ether is negligible. Awakening after anesthesia occurs 20-40 minutes after the discontinuation of inhalation of the ether, but the body does not return to normal after only a few hours. The ether is released by the respiratory tract and through the kidneys. Approximately 50% of its total amount is excreted from the body in the first 30-60 minutes after the end of anesthesia. It should be noted that some products of hydrolysis of diethyl ether can be localized in triglycerides and other lipids up to several days.