Which of the following organic compounds is commonly used as a general anaesthetic agent in medicine?

Introduction / Context:
Anaesthetics are substances used to induce loss of sensation, especially during surgical procedures. In the history of medicine and organic chemistry, certain volatile organic compounds played a major role as general anaesthetic agents. This question asks which compound, among several common organics, is widely known for its use as a general anaesthetic, reinforcing connections between chemistry and medical applications.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The options are acetylene, glycol, diethyl ether, ethylene and acetone.
- Only one of these is classically known as a widely used general anaesthetic in medical history.
- The question refers to general anaesthesia rather than local numbing agents.
- We assume standard textbook level historical and practical knowledge of anaesthetic agents.

Concept / Approach:
Diethyl ether is a highly volatile, flammable organic liquid that was historically one of the first widely used general anaesthetic agents. When administered as vapour mixed with air, it produces a reversible loss of consciousness suitable for surgery. Compounds like acetylene and ethylene are gases with other industrial uses, while ethylene glycol is used as antifreeze and is toxic rather than anaesthetic. Acetone is a common solvent and not used as a general anaesthetic. Therefore, diethyl ether is the correct choice among the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a general anaesthetic must be able to induce reversible unconsciousness and loss of sensation when administered, often by inhalation. Step 2: Identify diethyl ether as a volatile organic liquid historically used for inhalation anaesthesia in hospitals and operations. Step 3: Evaluate acetylene and ethylene. These are small hydrocarbon gases used primarily as fuel gas and chemical feedstocks, not standard general anaesthetics. Step 4: Consider glycol (ethylene glycol), which is used as antifreeze in automobile radiators and is toxic if ingested, making it unsuitable as an anaesthetic agent. Step 5: Note that acetone is an important solvent in laboratories and industry, but its properties are not those of a safe general anaesthetic. Conclude that diethyl ether is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Medical and chemistry histories frequently mention the introduction of ether anaesthesia in the nineteenth century as a major breakthrough in surgery. Demonstrations of ether anaesthesia are often cited as key events in medical progress. While modern anaesthesia now uses more sophisticated agents, school level texts still highlight diethyl ether as the classical example of a general anaesthetic from organic chemistry. None of the other listed substances receive similar treatment in standard textbooks as general anaesthetics, which confirms the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Acetylene is primarily used as a fuel gas in oxyacetylene welding and cutting and is not a standard anaesthetic. Ethylene glycol is poisonous and used as antifreeze, making it unsuitable for medical anaesthesia. Ethylene is a plant hormone and industrial feedstock but not a common human anaesthetic agent. Acetone is a widely used solvent and cleaning agent, not a general anaesthetic. Only diethyl ether historically fits the description of a commonly used general anaesthetic agent among these compounds.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to choose ethylene or acetylene because they are gases and might seem suitable for inhalation, without recalling their actual uses and safety profiles. Another pitfall is to think that any volatile organic solvent, such as acetone, could function as an anaesthetic, overlooking toxicity and side effects. Remembering the classical role of ether in surgical anaesthesia helps to distinguish diethyl ether from other organic liquids and gases in this context.

Final Answer:
The organic compound commonly used as a general anaesthetic agent is Diethyl ether.