Title: Propylene Oxide
CAS Registry Number: 75-56-9
CAS Name: Methyloxirane
Additional Names: propene oxide
Molecular Formula: C3H6O
Molecular Weight: 58.08
Percent Composition: C 62.04%, H 10.41%, O 27.55%
Literature References: Results from the action of KOH (aq) on propylene chlorohydrin. Toxicity: H. F. Smyth et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941). Toxicological comparison with ethylene oxide, q.v.: E. Agurell et al., Mutat. Res. 250, 229 (1991). Reviews: Holden in Glycols, G. O. Curme, F. Johnston, Eds. (Reinhold, New York, 1952) pp 250-261; Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 692-697; R. O. Kirk, T. J. Dempsey in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 19 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1982) pp 246-274. Review of manufacturing processes: Chem. Eng. News 70, 9-12 (Mar. 2, 1992); of carcinogenic risk: IARC Monographs 60, 181-213 (1994).
Properties: Colorless ethereal liquid. Extremely flammable. d40 0.859. mp -112.13°. bp 34.23°. Flash pt, closed cup: -31°F (-35°C). Soly in water (20°): 40.5% by wt; soly of water in propylene oxide: 12.8% by wt; miscible with alcohol, ether. LD50 orally in rats: 1.14 g/kg (Smyth).
Melting point: mp -112.13°
Boiling point: bp 34.23°
Flash point: Flash pt, closed cup: -31°F (-35°C)
Density: d40 0.859
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 1.14 g/kg (Smyth)
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory system; blistering and burns. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 270. This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-226.
Use: 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. As solvent; fumigant; soil sterilant. |