Ethylene oxide

CAS 75-21-8C2H4O44.05 g/mol

Oxirane is a saturated organic heteromonocyclic parent that is a three-membered heterocycle of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. It has a role as a mutagen, an allergen and a mouse metabolite. It is a gas molecular entity, a saturated organic heteromonocyclic parent and an oxacycle.

IUPAC: oxirane

PubChem

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties
Melting Point	-170.5 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point	51.3 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density	0.8222 at 50 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility	Miscible (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point	-0.4 to 0 °F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure	1095 mmHg at 68 °F (EPA, 1998)
Appearance	Ethylene oxide appears as a clear colorless gas with an ethereal odor with a flash point below 0 °F. Liquid less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Vapors very toxic. Vapors irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged skin contact may result in delayed burns. Used to make other chemicals, as a fumigant and industrial sterilant.