E

Ethylene oxide

IUPAC: oxirane

C2H4O Organic Compounds CAS 75-21-8
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H4O
CAS Number75-21-8
Molecular Weight44.05
Melting Point-170.5 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point51.3 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.8222 at 50 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilityMiscible (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEthylene oxide appears as a clear colorless gas with an ethereal odor with a flash point below 0 °F. Liquid less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May polymerize exothermically if heated ...
Also Known Asoxirane; Oxirane; 75-21-8; Epoxyethane; 1,2-Epoxyethane; Oxacyclopropane; Dihydrooxirene; Anprolene; Oxidoethane; Oxyfume
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Ethylene oxide?

Ethylene Oxide can cause cancer, developmental toxicity, female reproductive toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to state or federal government labeling requirements.

Formula & Notation

C2H4O

IUPAC Name: oxirane

Other Names / Synonyms: oxirane; Oxirane; 75-21-8; Epoxyethane; 1,2-Epoxyethane; Oxacyclopropane; Dihydrooxirene; Anprolene; Oxidoethane; Oxyfume

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ethylene oxide appears as a clear colorless gas with an ethereal odor with a flash point below 0 °F. Liquid less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May polymerize exothermically if heated .... Molecular formula: C2H4O. Molecular weight: 44.05 g/mol. Boiling point: 51.3 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -170.5 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 0.8222 at 50 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Miscible (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1095 mmHg at 68 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: -0.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-170.5 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point51.3 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.8222 at 50 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight44.05
SolubilityMiscible (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEthylene oxide appears as a clear colorless gas with an ethereal odor with a flash point below 0 °F. Liquid less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May polymerize exothermically if heated ...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ethylene oxide
Formula C2H4O
CAS Number 75-21-8
Molecular Weight 44.05
Synonyms oxirane; Oxirane; 75-21-8; Epoxyethane; 1,2-Epoxyethane; Oxacyclopropane; Dihydrooxirene; Anprolene; Oxidoethane; Oxyfume

Frequently Asked Questions

Ethylene Oxide can cause cancer, developmental toxicity, female reproductive toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to state or federal government labeling requirements.

More "E" Terms

View all "E" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.