(C2H5)-O-(C2H5)
boiling point : 34.5º C
freezing point: -116.3º C
Diethyl ether is a moderately
polar solvent with
anesthetic properties.
Diethyl ether is used in automotive starting fluid-- hence, Hunter S. Thompson's reference to a gas station. (see ether for full quote). Other substances will be present in the fluid diethyl ether-- usually heptane and/or petroleum ethers.
To extract the diethyl ether from starting fluid, a method which relies on its low boiling point is optimal.