None of the currently available inhaled anesthetics has all of the properties of an "ideal" inhaled agent. The exceptionally low solubility of desflurane and sevoflurane offers a significantly greater precision of control over maintenance of anesthesia and a potential for a more rapid recovery from anesthesia than other inhaled anesthetics. Sevoflurane appears to offer some advantages regarding cardiovascular stability. Products of metabolism or degradation can be associated with potential organ-specific toxic effects. Renal toxicity is discussed for enflurane and sevoflurane. Breakdown products of volatile agents with carbon dioxide absorbents have to be mentioned especially for sevoflurane (compound A) and desflurane (CO). In contrast to intravenous anesthetics, volatile anesthetics are associated with cardio- and cerebroprotection.