Published October 2020
Ethyl ether, also known as diethyl ether, or often referred to as just “ether,” is used as a reaction or extraction solvent in the chemical, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. As an extraction medium, it is used to extract acetic acid and organic acids from aqueous systems in the cellulose acetate and plastics industry. In the automotive sector, it has various applications, such as use as an octane and oxygen enhancer in gasoline, and in diesel starting fluids, lubricating oils, and removal of paints and varnishes. When combined with ethanol, ethyl ether finds use as a solvent for cellulose nitrate in gunpowder manufacture and pyroxylin plastics. Ethyl ether also finds use in pharmaceuticals as a solvent for drugs, and also because of the toxicity of the vapors, can be used as an insecticide and fumigant.
Global consumption of ethyl ether is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate of 2.0–2.5% per year during 2020–25. Higher-than-average growth rates will be observed in regions such as mainland China, India, and the Middle East, where relatively strong demand for ethyl ether as an extracting agent or solvent is expected in the forecast period.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of ethyl ether:
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Ethyl Ether is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
Key benefits
S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Ethyl Ether has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with S&P Global’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade, and economics.
This report can help you
- Identify trends and driving forces influencing chemical markets
- Forecast and plan for future demand
- Understand the impact of competing materials
- Identify and evaluate potential customers and competitors
- Evaluate producers
- Track changing prices and trade movements
- Analyze the impact of feedstocks, regulations, and other factors on chemical profitability
