The ideal anesthetic agent

Physical properties

        1. Non-flammable, non-explosive at room temperature

2. Stable in light.

3. Liquid and vaporisable at room temperature (low latent heat of vaporization)

4. Stable at room temperature, with a long shelf life

5. Stable with soda lime, as well as plastics and metals

6. Environmentally friendly - no ozone depletion

7. Cheap and easy to manufacture 

  Biological properties

         1. Pleasant to inhale (non-irritant)

2. Low blood:gas solubility - i.e. fast onset

3. High oil:water solubility - i.e. high potency

4. Minimal effects on other systems - e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatic, renal or endocrine

5. No biotransformation - should be excreted ideally via the lungs, unchanged

6. Non-toxic to operating theatre personnel