A colorless liquid that was first used in 1842 as an anesthetic in surgeries by inhalation. This liquid is highly flammable and has volatile properties. It is commonly referred to simple as ether. Ethoxy ethane is prone to peroxide formation, and can form explosive diethyl ether peroxide, especially in old storage vessels. Ether peroxides are higher boiling and are contact explosives when dry. Symptoms of severe exposure may include coughing, chest pains, difficulty in breathing, nausea, headache, vomiting, or death. [Analytical Chemistry; v70; 5213-5221; 1998.] [Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology; v75; 9; 2000.]