Oksirengas

Oksirengas is a term used in chemistry to denote the oxirane ring, a three-membered cyclic ether that contains two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. The simplest member of this class is ethylene oxide (also known as oxirane or ethene oxide), with the chemical formula C2H4O. The ring is small and highly strained, which gives oxiranes distinctive reactivity compared with other ethers. The IUPAC name for this structure is oxirane.

Reactivity and properties: The ring strain of about 27 kcal/mol makes oxiranes more reactive toward nucleophilic attack and ring-opening reactions than most ethers. Nucleophiles such as halides, water, alcohols, or amines can open the ring to give beta-hydroxy compounds or their derivatives. Under acidic conditions, opening tends to occur at the more substituted carbon; under basic or neutral conditions, it often occurs at the less substituted carbon. Oxiranes are typically colorless liquids or gases with moderate polarity, and simple examples such as ethylene oxide are industrially significant.

Synthesis and occurrence: Epoxides (oxiranes) can be prepared by oxidizing alkenes with peracids (the Prilezhaev reaction) or by cyclization of halohydrins. Industrially important oxiranes include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. They serve as key intermediates in the production of glycols, polyols for polyurethanes, and epoxy resins, as well as in the synthesis of a wide range of fine chemicals.

Safety and handling: Epoxides are reactive and can be irritants or toxic. Ethylene oxide, in particular, is a known carcinogen, and proper engineering controls and handling procedures are essential in production and use.