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Disinfectants and oxidizers

beta-Propiolactone

Also known as Propiolactone, 2-Oxetanone, Oxetan-2-one

CAS 57-57-8Formula C3H4O2Molar mass 72.06 g/molEC 200-340-1
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Serious health hazard 27 suppliers listed
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beta-Propiolactone chemical structure, C3H4O2, CAS 57-57-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
A colorless liquid
Melting point
-33.4 °C
Boiling point
162 °C
Density
Density (at 20 °C): 1.1 g/ml
Flash point
74 °C
HS code
293220
Category
Disinfectants and oxidizers
UN number
UN 2810
Illustrative photo, 200 litre steel drums of liquid in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is beta-Propiolactone?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Beta-propiolactone is a propan-3-olide. It is functionally related to a 3-hydroxypropionic acid. It derives from a hydride of an oxetane.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
oxetan-2-one
CAS number
57-57-8 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 25037-58-5
EC number
200-340-1
Molecular formula
C3H4O2
UNII
6RC3ZT4HB0
MDL number
MFCD00005169
InChIKey
VEZXCJBBBCKRPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H4O2/c4-3-1-2-5-3/h1-2H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1COC1=O

Synonyms

  • Propiolactone
  • 2-Oxetanone
  • Oxetan-2-one
  • Betaprone
  • Propanolide
  • 3-Propanolide
  • 1,3-Propiolactone
  • 3-Propiolactone
  • beta-Propionolactone
  • Propiolactona
  • 3-Hydroxypropionic acid lactone
  • Hydracrylic acid beta-lactone
  • beta-Propiolakton
  • Propiolactonum
  • Propiolattone
  • beta-Propanoic acid lactone
  • beta-Proprolactone
  • 3-Hydroxypropionic acid beta-lactone
  • Propanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-, beta-lactone
  • Propionic acid, 3-hydroxy-, beta-lactone
  • hydroacrylic acid
  • 3-Propiolacetone
  • beta Propiolactone
  • 3-Hydroxy-beta-lactone
  • b-Propionolactone
Show all 35 synonyms
  • Hydracrylic Acid, b-Lactone
  • 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid, b-Lactone
  • Hydroacrylic acid, beta-lactone
  • 3-Hydroxypropionic acid, beta-lactone
  • 3-Hydroxy-propionic acid
  • beta-Lactone
  • b-Propiolactone
  • betapron
  • BPL
  • Propiolactone beta-

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
A colorless liquidexp.
Odour
PUNGENTexp.
Melting point
-33.4 °Cexp.
Boiling point
162 °Cexp.
Density
Density (at 20 °C): 1.1 g/mlexp.
Flash point
74 °Cexp.
Solubility
SOL IN WATER: 37% VOL/VOL, MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL, ACETONE, ETHER, CHLOROFORMexp.
Vapour pressure
3.4 MM HG @ 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
72.06 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
72.0211 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.07calc.
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=C1CCO1

O=C1CCO1

1 ring, 5 atoms. This chemical is the scaffold itself.

185 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
200NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H350May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements (20)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2810
Transport hazard class
6.1
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

beta-Propiolactone suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 27 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

27 suppliers in 8 countries

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beta-Propiolactone price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, disinfectant.

Used as a sporicide to sterilize water, milk, nutrient broths, and vaccines.

Prepare commercial acrylates by reacting with ethylene cyanohydrin. (Former use).

To inactivate the influenza virus for use as a vaccine.

Beta-propiolactone is now used for vaccines, tissue grafts, surgical instruments, and enzymes, as a sterilant of blood plasma ... and as a vapor phase disinfectant in enclosed spaces. Its sporicidal action is used against vegetative bacteria, pathogenic fungi, and viruses.

Pharmacological actions

  • Disinfectants

Pharmacology

Propiolactone is a colorless, highly reactive, liquid, cyclic ether with a slightly sweet odor. Beta-propiolactone was used once mainly in the manufacture of acrylic acid and esters. It also was used as a sterilant for medical materials and procedures. However, it is no longer used for medical disinfection. Dermal exposure to beta-propiolactone causes the burning or blistering of the skin, and ingestion of this substance burns the mouth and stomach while exposure to its vapors causes severe irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract. This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

How it is made

Prepared by the condensation of ketene with formaldehyde.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 606-031-00-1

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Propiolactone, Ref no: 669, Annex ref: II/669

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code beta-Propiolactone is traded under.

HS 2932.20Indicative HS code

Lactones

World exports in 2024
$1.97B
−4.7% vs 2023, imports $2.07B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China56.3%
  2. India * partner reported7.4%
  3. Germany7.3%
Top importers
  1. United States14.2%
  2. India * partner reported13.5%
  3. Brazil8.5%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for beta-Propiolactone is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about beta-Propiolactone, based on the data on this page

What is beta-Propiolactone?

Beta-propiolactone is a propan-3-olide. It is functionally related to a 3-hydroxypropionic acid. It derives from a hydride of an oxetane.

What is the CAS number of beta-Propiolactone?

The CAS registry number of beta-Propiolactone is 57-57-8. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 25037-58-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of beta-Propiolactone?

The molecular formula of beta-Propiolactone is C3H4O2 and its molar mass is 72.06 g/mol.

What is beta-Propiolactone used for?

Versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, disinfectant. Used as a sporicide to sterilize water, milk, nutrient broths, and vaccines. Prepare commercial acrylates by reacting with ethylene cyanohydrin. (Former use). To inactivate the influenza virus for use as a vaccine.

Is beta-Propiolactone hazardous?

beta-Propiolactone carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, fatal if inhaled. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of beta-Propiolactone?

beta-Propiolactone is usually classified under HS code 293220 (Lactones). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy beta-Propiolactone?

CompoundList lists 27 suppliers of beta-Propiolactone in China, United States, United Kingdom, Germany and 4 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of beta-Propiolactone?

Suppliers quote beta-Propiolactone on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle beta-Propiolactone

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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