Ethylene oxide is an organic compound with the formula C2H4O. It is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide: a three-membered ring consisting of one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms. Ethylene oxide is a colorless and flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor. Because it is a strained ring, ethylene oxide easily participates in a number of addition reactions that result in ring-opening. Ethylene oxide is isomeric with acetaldehyde and with vinyl alcohol. Ethylene oxide is industrially produced by oxidation of ethylene in the presence of a silver catalyst.

Purity:  ≥99.9%

Specification: Steel cylinder specification: 30L, 40L, 100L, 400L, 800L

Applications

Ethylene oxide is one of the most important raw materials used in large-scale chemical production. Most ethylene oxide is used for synthesis of ethylene glycols, including diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol, that accounts for up to 75% of global consumption. Other important products include ethylene glycol ethers, ethanolamines, and ethoxylates. Among glycols, ethylene glycol is used as antifreeze, in the production of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET – raw material for plastic bottles), liquid coolants, and solvents.

Polyethyleneglycols are used in perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, paint thinners, and plasticizers. Ethylene glycol ethers are part of brake fluids, detergents, solvents, lacquers, and paints. Ethanolamines are used in the manufacture of soap and detergents and for purification of natural gas. Ethoxylates are reaction products of ethylene oxide with higher alcohols, acids, or amines. They are used in the manufacture of detergents, surfactants, emulsifiers, and dispersants.

First-aid measures

Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of flowing water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

Eye contact: Immediately lift the eyelids and thoroughly rinse with plenty of flowing water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Quickly leave the scene and move to a place with fresh air. Keep the respiratory tract unobstructed. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing stops, immediately perform artificial respiration. When breathing and heartbeat stop, immediately perform artificial respiration and chest compressions.

Secure Storage

Protect from sun exposure. Store in a well ventilated area. Keep the container tightly sealed. Lock and store.