Ethylene Oxide

C₂H₄O

IUPAC: Oxirane

CAS: 75-21-8

Overview

Ethylene oxide is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide. It is one of the most versatile chemical intermediates, used to produce ethylene glycol, surfactants, and detergents. It is also a powerful sterilizing agent for heat-sensitive medical equipment.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Carbon C 2 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
9.2%
C
Carbon ×2
54.5%
O
Oxygen ×1
36.3%

Uses

  • • Ethylene glycol production
  • • Medical device sterilization
  • • Surfactant production
  • • Fumigant

Fun Facts

  • ✦ About 50% of hospitals sterilize their instruments with ethylene oxide gas

Safety

  • ⚠ Known carcinogen (IARC Group 1)
  • ⚠ Flammable and explosive
  • ⚠ Mutagenic

Structure

SMILES

C1CO1

Properties

Type
organic
State
gas
Molar Mass
44.05 g/mol
Density
0.8820 g/cm³
Melting Point
-112.0 °C
Boiling Point
10.7 °C
Solubility
miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
44.0262
XLogP
-0.1
TPSA
12.5 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
3
Complexity
10.0

Also Known As

EO Epoxyethane

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene Oxide (C₂H₄O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Oxirane.
What is the molecular weight of Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene Oxide has a molar mass of 44.053 g/mol.
What state is Ethylene Oxide at room temperature?
Ethylene Oxide is a gas at room temperature.
Is Ethylene Oxide organic or inorganic?
Ethylene Oxide is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene Oxide (C₂H₄O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).