A quick google check of msds on starting fluid shows ethyl ether as a common ingredient; perhaps 50%. Other ingredients include heptane, butane and propane which could be described as petroleum ether. A common propellant is carbon dioxide. Petroleum ether does not have the ether functional group and is indeed a composition of short chain hydrocarbons. It will not form peroxides. 50% ethyl ether is high enough to form detectable peroxides (personal experience) but in an aerosol can it should be protected from oxygen which makes it less likely. Humco does sell ether and the msds indicates ethyl ether. I couldn't find any reference to "motor priming grade". Maybe you could contact the company. If your ether is not in an aerosol can and therefore protected from oxygen it could certainly form peroxides. Sandra Koster Univ. of Wisc. - La Crosse -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of WronaT**At_Symbol_Here**USA.REDCROSS.ORG Sent: Friday, January 29, 2010 10:45 AM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Ether - Motor Priming Grade Jerilyn, My experience with "ether" used for motor starting (AKA starting fluid) is usually a composition of petroleum "ether" which is typically but not necessarily an ether as we chemists know it, but is really a composition of short chain aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. This material is typically used in starting diesel engines that lack glow plugs in cold climates. Thomas Wrona Equipment Systems Manager Radiation and Chemical Safety Officer Southeastern Michigan Location Ohio Michigan Division Office Phone: 313 494-2894 Facsimile: 313 833-2799 -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Roberts, Jerilyn C. Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 5:39 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [DCHAS-L] Ether - Motor Priming Grade Does anyone have any information on Humco Laboratories Ether Motor Priming Grade? We are working on moving to a new building and it was found in a cabinet. All it says is "ether", but I am not familiar with motor priming grade. I am treating with extreme caution. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Jerilyn Roberts Environmental Health and Safety Director South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 501 East St. Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701-3995 605 394-6729 605 394-6131 FAX Jerilyn.Roberts**At_Symbol_Here**sdsmt.edu
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