Nomenclature
CAS number: 75-56-9
Methyloxirane; propene oxide.
C
3H
6O; mol wt 58.08.
C 62.04%, H 10.41%, O 27.55%.
Description and 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. 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).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.