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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