Ethyl ether, also known as diethyl ether, is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor. It is primarily used as a solvent in laboratories and in the production of various chemicals. Ethyl ether is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air, making it important to handle with care. In the past, ethyl ether was commonly used as an anesthetic in medical procedures, but its use has declined due to the development of safer alternatives. Today, it is mainly utilized in the extraction of essential oils and in the synthesis of organic compounds, highlighting its role in both chemistry and pharmaceuticals.