Ethylene oxide facts for kids
Ethylene oxide, also known as oxirane, is a special type of organic compound. It has the chemical formula C2H4O. This means it is made of two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas that smells a bit like ether. It is very important in making many everyday products.
Quick facts for kids Ethylene oxide |
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Preferred IUPAC name
Oxirane
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Epoxyethane
Oxacyclopropane |
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| Other names | Ethylene oxide Dimethylene oxide 1,2-Epoxyethane [3]-crown-1 Epoxide |
| Identifiers | |
| Abbreviations | EO, EtO |
| CAS number | |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Odor | Ether-like |
| Density | 0.8821 g·cm−3 |
| Melting point | |
| Boiling point | |
| Miscible | |
| Vapor pressure | 1.46 atm (20 °C) |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification |  F+  TCarc. Cat. 1 |
| Main hazards | Carcinogen Extremely flammable |
| NFPA 704 |
4
3
3
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| R-phrases | Template:R45, Template:R46, R12, R23, R36/37/38 |
| S-phrases | S53, S45 |
| Explosive limits | 3 to 100% |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Contents
What is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide is a simple organic compound that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It has a special ring shape with two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. This unique structure makes it very reactive and useful for many things. It is also known by its scientific name, oxirane.
How is Ethylene Oxide Used?
Ethylene oxide is a very important chemical in industries around the world.
Making Other Chemicals
Most of the ethylene oxide produced is used to make other chemicals. The most common one is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is used to make antifreeze for cars and polyester fibers for clothes and plastic bottles.
Sterilizing Equipment
Ethylene oxide is also used to sterilize, or clean, medical equipment and supplies. It can kill germs, bacteria, and viruses on items that cannot be cleaned with heat or steam. This includes things like plastic syringes, bandages, and surgical tools. It is very effective at making sure medical items are safe to use.
Other Uses
It is also used in smaller amounts to make other products. These include detergents, which are used in soaps and cleaners. It can also be found in some solvents and other industrial chemicals.
What are its Properties?
Ethylene oxide has some interesting properties that make it useful.
Physical State
At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a gas. It is colorless, meaning you cannot see it. It has a distinct smell that is often described as ether-like.
Melting and Boiling Points
Ethylene oxide has a very low melting point of about -112.46 degrees Celsius. This means it turns into a liquid at very cold temperatures. Its boiling point is also low, around 10.4 degrees Celsius. This means it turns back into a gas easily, even on a cool day.
Density
The density of ethylene oxide is 0.8821 grams per cubic centimeter. This means it is lighter than water.
Is Ethylene Oxide Safe?
Ethylene oxide is a very useful chemical, but it must be handled with great care.
Flammability
It is extremely flammable. This means it can easily catch fire and burn very quickly. It can even explode if it mixes with air in certain amounts. Because of this, it needs to be stored and used in very safe environments.
Health Concerns
Ethylene oxide can be harmful if people are exposed to it. It is known as a carcinogen, which means it can increase the risk of cancer over a long time. It can also irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. Because of these risks, strict rules are in place to protect workers who use this chemical.
Images for kids
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Condensed ethylene oxide
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Global industrial use of ethylene oxide in 2007.
See also
In Spanish: Óxido de etileno para niños
