Propylene Oxide (PO for short) is a crucial basic organic chemical raw material with the chemical formula C?H?O. It has a unique three-membered cyclic ether structure (methylethylene oxide) and is the third largest propylene derivative, second only to polypropylene and acrylonitrile. The following is a comprehensive analysis from multiple dimensions:
Contact Us Arabella export@eastchem-cn.com
I. Basic Properties and Safety
Physical Properties
- Appearance and odor: Colorless transparent liquid with a special ether-like odor.
- Physical constants: Boiling point 34.24°C, freezing point -112.13°C, density approximately 0.859 g/cm³ (at 20°C), extremely low flash point (-37°C, open cup), classified as an extremely flammable liquid.
- Solubility: Partially miscible with water (solubility in water is 40.5% by weight at 20°C), easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and dichloromethane, and forms binary azeotropes with pentane, cyclopentene, etc.
Chemical Characteristics
- High reactivity: The epoxy group (three-membered ring) in the molecule is highly susceptible to ring opening, and can react with substances containing active hydrogen such as water, alcohols, amines, acids, and carbon dioxide to form derivatives like propylene glycol, alcohol ethers, polyether polyols, alkanolamines, and esters.
- Polymerization and catalytic reactions: Under the action of catalysts (such as potassium hydroxide, molecular sieves), it can undergo homopolymerization or copolymerization to form polyether polyols (PPG), which are core intermediates for the production of polyurethanes, surfactants, etc.
Core Application Fields
Propylene oxide is the "cornerstone" of the downstream fine chemical industry chain, with its derivatives covering multiple trillion-level markets:
Polyether Polyols (the largest application of PO, accounting for 70-85% of consumption)
- Polyurethane industry: Flexible foam polyethers are used in mattresses, sofas, and car seats; rigid foam polyethers are used in refrigerator insulation layers, building wall insulation materials, and cold chain logistics; elastomer polyethers are used in sports tracks, adhesives, and coatings.
- Other applications: Defoamers, crude oil demulsifiers, papermaking industry auxiliaries, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants, etc.
Propylene Glycol and Its Derivatives
- Monopropylene glycol (MPG): Raw material for unsaturated polyester resins, food additives (solvents/humectants), cosmetic carriers, tobacco humectants, and pharmaceutical excipients (ointment bases).
- Dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), and propylene glycol ethers: Coating solvents, brake fluid antifreeze agents, electronic chemicals, floor polishes, pesticide emulsifiers, printing inks, etc.
Surfactants and Specialty Chemicals
- Non-ionic surfactants: As initiators, they copolymerize with ethylene oxide/propylene oxide to produce emulsifiers and foam stabilizers for detergents (such as laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids) and personal care products (shampoos, body washes), or serve as oilfield demulsifiers and pesticide adjuvants.
- Other chemicals: Synthetic isopropanolamine (gas purification desulfurizer), propylene carbonate (lithium battery solvent), flame retardants, synthetic glycerol, etc.
Other Industrial Applications
Directly used as a fumigant for dried fruits and foods (such as cocoa, seasonings); used as a low-boiling solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, etc.
See More Isooctyl stearate Properties
Hazard Identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
no data available
GHS label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram(s) | no data available |
Signal word | no data available |
Hazard statement(s) | no data available |
Precautionary statement(s) |
Prevention | no data available |
Response | no data available |
Storage | no data available |
Disposal | no data available |
Other hazards which do not result in classification
no data available
Handling and Storage
Precautions for safe handling
Handling in a well ventilated place. Wear suitable protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Store the container tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Store apart from foodstuff containers or incompatible materials.
See More Isooctyl stearate Safety Data Sheet
East Chemsources Limited was established in 2008, is a professional company engaged in the development of chemical products. In the past of 15 years， through continuous technological innovation and the use of talent introduction advantages, we have achieved rapid development, and has become an international diversified modern chemical enterprise. At present, our products have been exported to more than 80 countries,including food additives, pharmaceutical raw materials, chemical products and personal care
Since the establishment of the company, always adhere to the credibility first, quality first enterprise creed.
Our company is committed to creating a customer-centric, customer-demand-oriented, customer value creation and achievement of customer dreams for the purpose of the service concept, with a broad vision and broad mind, committed to creating good benefits and market operation, to build corporate brand.
Contact Us Email: export@eastchem-cn.com Name:Arabella
