P

Propylene oxide

IUPAC: 2-methyloxirane

C3H6O Organic Compounds CAS 75-56-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC3H6O
CAS Number75-56-9
Molecular Weight58.08
Melting Point-169.83 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point93.61 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.859 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePropylene oxide appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -35 °F. Boiling point 95 °F. Density 6.9 lb./gal. Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentr...
Also Known As2-methyloxirane; 75-56-9; 1,2-Epoxypropane; Methyloxirane; Propene oxide; Epoxypropane; Propyleneoxide; Oxirane, methyl-; 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE; Propylene epoxide
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Propylene oxide?

Propylene Oxide can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

Formula & Notation

C3H6O

IUPAC Name: 2-methyloxirane

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-methyloxirane; 75-56-9; 1,2-Epoxypropane; Methyloxirane; Propene oxide; Epoxypropane; Propyleneoxide; Oxirane, methyl-; 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE; Propylene epoxide

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Propylene oxide appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -35 °F. Boiling point 95 °F. Density 6.9 lb./gal. Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentr.... Molecular formula: C3H6O. Molecular weight: 58.08 g/mol. Boiling point: 93.61 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -169.83 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 0.859 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 445 mmHg at 68 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 0.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-169.83 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point93.61 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.859 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight58.08
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePropylene oxide appears as a clear colorless volatile liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -35 °F. Boiling point 95 °F. Density 6.9 lb./gal. Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentr...

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 Propylene oxide
Formula C3H6O
CAS Number 75-56-9
Molecular Weight 58.08
Synonyms 2-methyloxirane; 75-56-9; 1,2-Epoxypropane; Methyloxirane; Propene oxide; Epoxypropane; Propyleneoxide; Oxirane, methyl-; 1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE; Propylene epoxide

Frequently Asked Questions

Propylene Oxide can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

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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.