Introduction to Diethyl ether component, Production, Worldwide selling.

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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Diethyl ether (DEE) is one of the most important member of ether family. It is a colorless,
highly volatile, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. It is an important solvent in
the production of cellulose acetate and other cellulose-based polymers. Other uses for DEE
are as a starter fluid for diesel and gasoline engines, and as a solvent for Grignard and
other reactions involving organometallic reagents. Previously, it was used as a general
anesthetic.[1]
Oil reserves on earth are being depleted due to their excessive consumption. Major
transportation fuel and petrochemical feedstock shortages are expected in the coming
century. Due to these factors, significant researchers are devoted to the development of
alternative transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstock. Alcohols and their
derivatives are among the most attractive alternates of petroleum which can serve for both
purposes.[13]
The United States is a leading producer of diethyl ether (DEE) accounting for 88% of
production in all of North and South America in 2013. Production of Diethyl ether (DEE)
in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil is minor while Canada imports its Diethyl ether (DEE)
from the United States.[18]
Overall consumption of diethyl ether in America is expacted to grow at 2% annually
during 2013-2018. Consumption in Western Europe expected grow slowly and moderate
(about 2% per year) in Central and Eastern Europe to high (nearly 5% per year) in Middle
East.
Demand for diethyl ether in Asia is expacted to increase, but at variable rates, from no
growth to averge annual groth of as much as 4.5% during 2013-2018, driven mainly by
the increasing demand in india. Global demand for ethyl ether is expacted to increase by
2.4% annually for 2013-2018.