12012-95-2

Appearance：Yellow crystalline powder.

Melting Point：120ºC (dec.)

Stability：Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions. May decompose on exposure to moist air or water.

Storage Condition：2-8ºC

Vapor Pressure：8480mmHg at 25°C

Ethylene oxide (CAS No. 12012-95-2) is a colorless and odorless gas with a molecular weight of 44.05 g/mol. It is the simplest epoxide, a three-carbon cyclic ether. It is produced by the oxidation of ethylene, via the intermediacy of ethylene chlorohydrin. It is a flammable and toxic gas with a boiling point of 10.73°C and a melting point of -12.4°C. Ethylene oxide has a variety of uses in industry, including production of ethylene glycol, ethanolamines, surfactants, and other chemicals.

In the pharmaceutical industry, ethylene oxide is used as a sterilizing agent for medical instruments and supplies, and as a raw material for synthesizing pharmaceuticals. In cosmetics, it is used as an emulsifying agent, stabilizer, and preservative. In agriculture, it is used in fumigation and as an insecticide. Finally, it is used in sterilization of food and spices, and in the manufacture of resins.

Ethylene oxide is also used as a starting material for synthesizing a variety of other chemicals. It is used as a raw material for the production of ethylene glycol, as well as its derivatives, such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate. It is also used to produce ethanolamines and surfactants, such as ethoxylates, ethylene thioglycolates, and ethoxylated stearates.

In addition to being used as a raw material, ethylene oxide can also be used as a process solvent, especially when it is needed to dissolve materials that are hard to dissolve in traditional solvents.

Ethylene oxide is highly reactive, and should be handled with great care. It is toxic, and exposure to it can cause skin and eye irritation, and even burns. The gas should be stored in sealed containers and handled only in well-ventilated areas.