Ethers in contact with air for a long time form peroxides. The presence of peroxide can be tested by adding Fe2+ ions followed by the addition of:
In acidic medium (Conc. H2SO4),Hydrogen peroxide reacts with K2Cr2O7 in the presence of ether forms a deep violet coloured chromium peroxide. The Oxidation state of chromium in chromium pentoxide is
Formation of peroxide in ether can be prevented by: