ETHYLENE OXIDE ( ETO ) , is an organic compound with the formula C2H4O. It is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide produced in large volumes and is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of several industrial chemicals, the most notable of which is ethylene glycol. It is also used as a fumigant in certain agricultural products and as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies. Unfortunately, ETO possesses several physical and health hazards that merit special attention. ETO is both flammable and highly reactive. Acute exposures to ETO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization.
Production
Ethylene oxide is industrially produced by oxidation of ethylene in the presence of silver catalyst.
Uses
- Ethylene oxide is used mainly as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylene glycol (antifreeze), textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, solvents, medicine, adhesives, and other products.
- Relatively small amounts of ethylene oxide are used as a fumigant, as a sterilant for food (spices) and cosmetics, and in hospital sterilization of surgical equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam.
Physical Properties
- The chemical formula for ethylene oxide is C2H4O, and the molecular weight is 44.1 g/mol.
- The vapor pressure for ethylene oxide is 1,095 mm Hg at 20°C, and it has an octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) of -0.22.
- Ethylene oxide has a solubility in water of 1 × 106 mg/L at 20°C and is soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, and benzene.
- Ethylene oxide has an odor threshold of 787 mg/m3.
- Ethylene oxide has an estimated half-life in air ranging from 69 to 149 days, while its half-life in water ranges from 12 to 14 days in sterile, deionized, and natural river water.
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