Diethyl ether is a colorless, volatile liquid commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and in the production of various chemicals. It has a distinctive, sweet odor and is highly flammable, making it important to handle with care. Diethyl ether is also known for its use as an anesthetic in the past, although it has largely been replaced by safer alternatives in medical settings. Chemically, diethyl ether consists of two ethyl groups connected by an oxygen atom, giving it the formula C4H10O. It is soluble in water and many organic solvents, which makes it useful in extraction processes. Due to its low boiling point, it evaporates quickly, which can be advantageous in certain applications.