Ethylene oxide or epoxyethane (C2H4O) is a colorless, flammable gas used in the production of various consumer products. It is also a potent sterilizing agent and can be harmful to human health.
| IUPAC Name | Oxirane |
| Molecular Formula | C2H4O |
| CAS Number | 75-21-8 |
| Synonyms | Dimethylene oxide, Epoxyethane, Oxacyclopropane, 1,2-Epoxyethane, 2-Oxacyclopropane, Dihydrooxirene |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C2H4O/c1-2-4-3-1/h1-2H2 |
Epoxyethane structure
The structure of epoxyethane is a three-membered ring consisting of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. The carbon atoms are joined by a single bond, and each carbon atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom. The oxygen atom is bonded to one of the carbon atoms by a double bond. The molecular geometry of epoxyethane is trigonal planar.
Epoxyethane molecular weight
The molecular weight of epoxyethane is 44.05 g/mol. Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule and is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). The molecular weight of a compound is useful in many chemical calculations, such as determining the amount of a substance required for a certain reaction.
Ethylene oxide molar mass
The molar mass of ethylene oxide is 44.05 g/mol. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). The molar mass of a compound is useful in many chemical calculations, such as determining the mass of a certain number of moles of a substance or calculating the concentration of a solution in terms of moles per liter.
C2H4O boiling point
The boiling point of ethylene oxide is 10.4 °C (50.7 °F) at standard atmospheric pressure. Ethylene oxide is a volatile and highly flammable gas that boils at a relatively low temperature. This property makes it useful in certain industrial applications, such as the production of plastics and synthetic fibers. However, it also makes ethylene oxide hazardous to handle and transport.
Ethylene oxide melting point
Ethylene oxide is a gas at room temperature and does not have a melting point. It can be liquefied at low temperatures and high pressures, but it does not exist in a solid state under normal conditions.
Ethylene oxide density g/ml
The density of epoxyethane is 0.882 g/mL at 20 °C (68 °F). Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume and is expressed in grams per milliliter (g/mL) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The density of epoxyethane is lower than that of water, which means it will float on top of the water.
Epoxyethane formula
The chemical formula of epoxyethane is C2H4O. The formula indicates the number and type of atoms present in a molecule of the compound. In epoxyethane, there are two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The formula of ethylene oxide is important in many chemical calculations, such as balancing chemical equations and determining the molecular weight of the compound.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 0.882 (20 °C) |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Sweet, ether-like |
| Molar Mass | 44.05 g/mol |
| Density | 0.882 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Melting Point | N/A |
| Boiling Point | 10.4 °C (50.7 °F) |
| Flash Point | -18 °C (-0.4 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Completely soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in most organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 1075 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Vapour Density | 1.52 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 11.6 |
| pH | 7 (neutral) |
Ethylene oxide Safety and Hazards
Epoxyethane (C2H4O) is a highly flammable and reactive gas that poses several safety and health hazards. It can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and neurological effects. C2H4O is also a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure can lead to an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken when handling or working with C2H4O, including wearing personal protective equipment, ensuring proper ventilation, and following safe storage and handling procedures. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and first aid measures should be taken according to the severity of the symptoms.
| Hazard Symbols | Skull and crossbones, Flame |
| Safety Description | Highly flammable, Toxic, Carcinogenic, Corrosive |
| UN IDs | UN 1040 |
| HS Code | 2909.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 2.3 (Flammable gas) |
| Packing Group | I |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic and carcinogenic |
Ethylene oxide Synthesis Methods
Ethylene oxide can be synthesized using several methods. One of the most common methods involves the catalytic oxidation of ethylene with air or oxygen. In this process, ethylene is passed over a silver or gold catalyst at elevated temperatures (200-300°C) and pressures (1-2 atm). The reaction produces ethylene oxide and water as byproducts.
Another method involves the chlorohydrin process, in which ethylene reacts with chlorine and water to form ethylene chlorohydrin, which is then hydrolyzed to produce ethylene oxide and hydrochloric acid. This method is less common due to environmental concerns related to the use of chlorine.
Another method involves the direct epoxidation of ethylene using organic peroxides or peroxy acids. This method requires high temperatures and pressures and is less common due to safety concerns related to the use of highly reactive and explosive reagents.
Recently, new methods for synthesizing ethylene oxide have been developed, such as the electrochemical conversion of ethylene using a solid oxide electrolyte cell. This method is still in the experimental stage but shows promise in reducing the environmental impact and increasing the efficiency of ethylene oxide production.
Ethylene oxide Uses
Ethylene oxide has several industrial and commercial applications.
- C2H4O plays a critical role in the production of ethylene glycol, which various industries use as a coolant and antifreeze.
- The compound’s ability to penetrate and kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, makes it a valuable sterilizing agent for medical equipment and supplies.
- C2H4O serves as a starting material in the production of ethoxylates, which act as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants in the manufacture of surfactants and detergents.
- The compound is also useful in the production of polyurethane foams and plastics, and in the synthesis of various chemicals like ethanolamines, glycol ethers, and fatty acid esters.
- C2H4O finds application in the production of textiles, adhesives, and coatings, and in the extraction of natural products such as oils and flavors.
- C2H4O is a fumigant that helps control pests and insects in grains and other food products.
Overall, C2H4O has a wide range of applications due to its ability to react with various compounds and its high reactivity and versatility. However, the use of ethylene oxide requires careful consideration of safety, environmental impact, and regulatory requirements, and appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the safe handling, transportation, and use of the compound.
Questions:
Ethylene oxide sterilizers?
Ethylene oxide sterilizers are devices that use ethylene oxide gas to sterilize medical equipment and supplies. These sterilizers work by exposing the equipment or supplies to ethylene oxide gas in a sealed chamber or room. The gas penetrates the packaging and materials and destroys any microorganisms that may be present.
Ethylene oxide sterilization?
Epoxyethane is commonly used for sterilization in the healthcare industry. It is particularly effective at killing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, due to its ability to penetrate packaging and other materials. Epoxyethane sterilization is often used for heat-sensitive medical devices and supplies that cannot withstand traditional sterilization methods such as autoclaving or radiation.
Why is ethylene oxide dangerous?
Epoxyethane is a highly hazardous substance due to its flammability, reactivity, and toxicity. It is a known carcinogen and can cause a range of health effects, including skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and neurological effects. Prolonged exposure to epoxyethane can increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, epoxyethane is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken when handling or working with epoxyethane, including wearing personal protective equipment, ensuring proper ventilation, and following safe storage and handling procedures.