Oksiraan

Oksiraan is a chemical compound with the formula C2H4O. It is a cyclic ether, specifically a three-membered ring containing two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. Oksiraan is also commonly known by its IUPAC name, oxirane, or as ethylene oxide. It is a colorless gas at room temperature with a sweet odor.

Industrially, oksiraan is produced primarily through the direct oxidation of ethylene using a silver catalyst. This process is highly exothermic and requires careful control of temperature and pressure. Oksiraan is a highly reactive and versatile chemical intermediate. Its strained three-membered ring readily opens in the presence of nucleophiles, making it a key building block in the synthesis of a wide range of products.

The major application of oksiraan is in the production of ethylene glycols, which are used in antifreeze and polyester fibers. It is also used to produce ethoxylates, which are surfactants found in detergents and personal care products. Oksiraan is employed as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment due to its ability to alkylate and inactivate microorganisms. However, it is also a flammable, toxic, and carcinogenic substance, requiring strict safety precautions during handling and use.