Source. - Made by adding Bromine to a mixture of Phosphorus and Absolute Alcohol, and distilling. 5C2H6O + PBr5 (bromide of phosphorus) = 5C2H5Br + H3PO4 + H1O.

Characters. - A colourless liquid with a powerful fragrant odour, and a hot sweetish taste. Very volatile; specific gravity,

1.42. Non-inflammable. Readily decomposes, yielding bromine. Freely soluble in alcohol and ether; very sparingly soluble in water.

Dose. - 10 to 60 min.

Action And Uses

Bromide of ethyl acts as an anaesthetic like chloroform and ether. For a time it was used in America and England, especially in short painful operations, and in ophthalmic practice, as its action is rapid and evanescent, and sickness rare. More than one death during or after its administration must account for its sudden loss of popularity. It has also been given by the stomach as an antispasmodic, especially in convulsions.