![]() The general reaction scheme isĪnd more specific reactions are described below.Īqueous solutions of ethylene oxide are rather stable and can exist for a long time without any noticeable chemical reaction, but adding a small amount of acid, such as strongly diluted sulfuric acid, immediately leads to the formation of ethylene glycol, even at room temperature: Its typical reactions are with nucleophiles which proceed via the S N2 mechanism both in acidic (weak nucleophiles: water, alcohols) and alkaline media (strong nucleophiles: OH −, RO −, NH 3, RNH 2, RR'NH, etc.). Properties of ethylene oxide vapor Temperature, KĮthylene oxide readily reacts with diverse compounds with opening of the ring. Properties of liquid ethylene oxide Temperature, ☌ History Įthylene oxide was first reported in 1859 by the French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz, who prepared it by treating 2-chloroethanol with potassium hydroxide:Ĭl − CH 2 CH 2 − OH + KOH ⟶ ( CH 2 CH 2 ) O + KCl + H 2 O. It is so flammable and extremely explosive that it is used as a main component of thermobaric weapons therefore, it is commonly handled and shipped as a refrigerated liquid to control its hazardous nature. Įthylene oxide is a surface disinfectant that is widely used in hospitals and the medical equipment industry to replace steam in the sterilization of heat-sensitive tools and equipment, such as disposable plastic syringes. At room temperature it is a very flammable, carcinogenic, mutagenic, irritating, and anaesthetic gas. Although it is a vital raw material with diverse applications, including the manufacture of products like polysorbate 20 and polyethylene glycol (PEG) that are often more effective and less toxic than alternative materials, ethylene oxide itself is a very hazardous substance. These products include detergents, thickeners, solvents, plastics, and various organic chemicals such as ethylene glycol, ethanolamines, simple and complex glycols, polyglycol ethers, and other compounds. ![]() Although too dangerous for direct household use and generally unfamiliar to consumers, ethylene oxide is used for making many consumer products as well as non-consumer chemicals and intermediates. The reactivity that is responsible for many of ethylene oxide's hazards also makes it useful. Ethylene oxide is industrially produced by oxidation of ethylene in the presence of silver catalyst. Ethylene oxide is isomeric with acetaldehyde and with vinyl alcohol. Because it is a strained ring, ethylene oxide easily participates in a number of addition reactions that result in ring-opening. Ethylene oxide is a colorless and flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor. It is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide: a three-membered ring consisting of one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms. ![]() Ethylene oxide is an organic compound with the formula C 2H 4O. ![]()
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