Propylene Oxide

C₃H₆O

IUPAC: 2-Methyloxirane

CAS: 75-56-9

Overview

Propylene oxide is a small, strained-ring ether used to make polyether polyols, which are the backbone of polyurethane foams. About 60% of production goes into polyurethane, with the rest used for propylene glycol and other derivatives.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 6 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×6
10.4%
C
Carbon ×3
62.0%
O
Oxygen ×1
27.5%

Uses

  • • Polyurethane foam production
  • • Propylene glycol synthesis
  • • Fumigant
  • • Hydraulic fluids

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Precursor to polyurethane, which is found in mattresses, car seats, insulation, and shoe soles

Safety

  • ⚠ Probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
  • ⚠ Highly flammable
  • ⚠ Explosive peroxide formation

Structure

SMILES

CC1CO1

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
58.08 g/mol
Density
0.8300 g/cm³
Melting Point
-112.0 °C
Boiling Point
34.2 °C
Solubility
405 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
58.0419
XLogP
0.0
TPSA
12.5 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
4
Complexity
26.0

Also Known As

PO Methyloxirane

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 Propylene Oxide?
Propylene Oxide (C₃H₆O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-Methyloxirane.
What is the molecular weight of Propylene Oxide?
Propylene Oxide has a molar mass of 58.08 g/mol.
What state is Propylene Oxide at room temperature?
Propylene Oxide is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Propylene Oxide organic or inorganic?
Propylene Oxide is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Propylene Oxide?
Propylene Oxide (C₃H₆O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).