Propylene oxide
Also known as 1,2-Epoxypropane, Methyloxirane, Propene oxide
Key facts
What buyers check first
- Appearance
- Colorless liquid [Note: A gas above 94 degrees F.]
- Melting point
- -112.1 °C
- Boiling point
- 34.2 °C
- Density
- Relative density (water = 1): 0.83
- Flash point
- -37.2 °C
- HS code
- 291020
- Category
- Rodenticides, nematicides and other pesticides
- UN number
- UN 1280
What is Propylene oxide?
Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms
1,2-epoxypropane is an epoxide that is oxirane substituted by a methyl group at position 2. It is functionally related to an oxirane.
Identifiers
Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy
- IUPAC name
- 2-methyloxirane
- CAS number
- 75-56-9 CAS number cross-checked
- EC number
- 200-879-2
- Molecular formula
- C3H6O
- UNII
- Y4Y7NYD4BK
- MDL number
- MFCD00005126
- InChIKey
- GOOHAUXETOMSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C3H6O/c1-3-2-4-3/h3H,2H2,1H3
- SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
- CC1CO1
Synonyms
- 1,2-Epoxypropane
- Methyloxirane
- Propene oxide
- Epoxypropane
- Propyleneoxide
- Oxirane, methyl-
- 1,2-Propylene oxide
- Propylene epoxide
- Methyl oxirane
- 2,3-Epoxypropane
- Methyloxacyclopropane
- Methyl ethylene oxide
- Propane, epoxy-
- Oxyde de propylene
- Epihydrin
- AD 6 (suspending agent)
- Ethylene oxide, methyl-
- Propane, 1,2-epoxy-
- Methylethylene oxide
- dl-1,2-Epoxypropane
- propene epoxide
- 1,2-epoxy propane
- (+-)-Propylene oxide
- 2-Methyloxirane
- oxirane, 2-methyl-
Show all 36 synonymsShow fewer synonyms
- 2-methyl-oxirane
- (+/-)-Methyloxirane
- (+/-)-Propylene oxide
- 2-Methyloxiran
- 2-Methyl oxirane
- 1,2-epoxy-propane
- 3-Methyl-1,2-epoxypropane
- AD 6
- Propylene oxide (JAN)
- propylenoxide
- (R)-2-Methyloxirane
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 | Colorless liquid [Note: A gas above 94 degrees F.]exp.Measured value |
|---|---|
| Odour | ODOR IS SWEET, ALCOHOLIC, & LIKE ETHER OR BENZENEexp.Measured value |
| Taste | In foods, propylene oxide has no residual taste.exp.Measured value |
| Melting point | -112.1 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Boiling point | 34.2 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Density | Relative density (water = 1): 0.83exp.Measured value |
| Flash point | -37.2 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Autoignition temperature | 449 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Solubility | Solubility of water in propylene oxide is 12.8% by wt at 20 °C.exp.Measured value |
| Vapour pressure | 538 mm Hg @ 25 °Cexp.Measured value |
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 | 58.08 g/molcalc.Computed value |
|---|---|
| Exact mass | 58.0419 Dacalc.Computed value |
| LogP (octanol/water) | 0.41calc.Computed value |
| Topological polar surface area | 12.53 Ųcalc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond donors | 0calc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 1calc.Computed value |
| Rotatable bonds | 0calc.Computed value |
| Heavy atoms | 4calc.Computed value |
| Rings | 1calc.Computed value |
| Aromatic rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Fraction sp3 carbons | 1calc.Computed value |
| Formal charge | 0calc.Computed value |
| Stereocentres | 1calc.Computed value |
| Lipinski rule of five | Passes (0 violations)calc.Computed value |
Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.
Murcko scaffold
The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed
Safety and hazards
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet
Hazard statements
- H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour.
- H302Harmful if swallowed.
- H311Toxic in contact with skin.
- H319Causes serious eye irritation.
- H331Toxic if inhaled.
- H335May cause respiratory irritation.
- H340May cause genetic defects.
- H350May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements (31)
- P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- P233Keep container tightly closed.
- P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
- P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
- P242Use non-sparking tools.
- P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
- P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
- P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
- 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.
- P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P330Rinse mouth.
- P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
- P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
- P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
- P405Store locked up.
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
- UN number
- UN 1280
- Transport hazard class
- 3
- 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 aidPropylene oxide suppliers
Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings
- India, Goa ManufacturerUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- China, TangshanUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- China, NingboUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
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- IndiaUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Switzerland, LausanneUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- United StatesUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
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- China ManufacturerUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Romania, Râmnicu Vâlcea ManufacturerUnclaimed profilePropylene OxideGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
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Where suppliers are based
106 suppliers in 27 countries
- China37
- United States21
- India9
- Singapore4
- Canada3
- Germany3
- and 21 more countries
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Propylene oxide 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
Chemical intermediate in prepn of polyethers to form polyurethanes, in prepn of urethane polyols and propylene and dipropylene glycols, in prepn of lubricants, surfactants, oil demulsifiers. Also as a solvent, fumigant, soil sterilant.
Isopropanol amines, synthetic elastomer (homopolymer).
Sterilization of packaged food products in fumigation chambers.
The major use of propylene oxide is in the production of polyethers (the primary component of polyurethane foams) and propylene glycol.
Industrial uses: Sealant (barrier), Flame retardant, Intermediate, Other, Lubricating agent, Monomers, Surfactant (surface active agent).
Pharmacological actions
- Carcinogens
Functional uses
- Viscosity modifier
Pharmacology
Propylene Oxide is a synthetic, highly-flammable, volatile, colorless liquid that is soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents. Propylene oxide is used primarily as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyethers and propylene glycol. It is also used as a pesticide and a fumigant for the sterilization of packaged foods and plastic medical instruments.
Read more
Acute inhalation exposure to vapors of this compound can result in respiratory tract irritation, coughing, difficulty in breathing (dyspnea) and buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) that can possibly lead to pneumonia. Inhale high concentrations of the vapors for short time periods may cause headache, motor weakness, incoordination, ataxia and coma. Contact with propylene oxide can irritate the eyes and skin. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)
How it is made
Propylene oxide was 1st prepared in 1860 ... by the reaction of propylene chlorohydrin with potassium hydroxide. Until 1969, essentially all the propylene oxide produced in USA was made by the so-called chlorohydrin process in which propylene is treated with hypochlorous acid (chlorine & water) to produce propylene chlorohydrin, this is converted to propylene oxide using calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. A plant using a version of the peroxidation process was started in USA in 1969.
Read more
Peroxidation processes use an oxidant such as an organic hydroperoxide (tert-butyl hydroperoxide or ethylbenzene hydroperoxide) or peracetic acid to convert propylene to propylene oxide. Currently, about 1/2 of USA propylene oxide-production capacity is based on the chlorohydrin process, & the other half is based on the peroxidation process ...
Arco produces propylene oxide ... with propylene and isobutane. The first step is isobutane hydroperoxidation to t-butyl hydroperoxide. The second is epoxidation of propylene with t-butyl hydroperoxide, forming propylene oxide and tert-butyl alcohol.
Results from the action of KOH (aq) on propylene chlorohydrin.
Regulatory status
Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance
Europe
- EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)Index no: 603-055-00-4
Health and food
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmeticsName: Methyloxirane (Propylene oxide), Ref no: 655, Annex ref: II/655
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 Propylene oxide is traded under.
Methyloxirane (propylene oxide)
- Netherlands24.6%
- United States21.2%
- Germany10.9%
- Netherlands23.2%
- Belgium19.0%
- Germany17.1%
The HS code shown for Propylene oxide is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.
Related chemicals
Parent and salt forms, stereoisomers, similar structures and isomers
Stereoisomers and isotopic forms
Same connectivity, different stereochemistry or isotopes (same InChIKey skeleton)
Similar structures
Nearest neighbours by Morgan fingerprint Tanimoto similarity
Same formula isomers
Different compounds that share this molecular formula
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Propylene oxide, based on the data on this page
What is Propylene oxide?
What is the CAS number of Propylene oxide?
What is the molecular formula and weight of Propylene oxide?
What is Propylene oxide used for?
Is Propylene oxide hazardous?
What is the HS code of Propylene oxide?
Where can I buy Propylene oxide?
Where can I buy Propylene oxide in India?
What is the price of Propylene oxide?
Guides for buyers
Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Propylene oxide
- Guide, SafetyHow to read a safety data sheet in 10 minutesA section by section method to pull the essentials out of any 16 section SDS: identity, hazards, composition, storage, PPE, properties, transport and emergency measures.Read
- Guide, Trade and logisticsShipping dangerous goods: UN numbers, classes and packing groupsHow the UN dangerous goods system works for chemicals, from the nine classes and UN numbers to packing groups, UN packaging marks, labels, documents and segregation.Read
- Guide, SafetyGHS pictograms, signal words and hazard statements explainedA practical guide to the nine GHS pictograms, the signal words Danger and Warning, H and P statements, and how to read a chemical label in seconds.Read
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