Oxiranem

Oxiranem, also known as oxirane or ethylene oxide, is the simplest epoxide, a cyclic ether with a three-member ring consisting of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. Its chemical formula is C2H4O. The ring strain of the epoxide makes oxiranem highly reactive, enabling a wide range of chemical transformations, including ring-opening reactions that form ethoxylated products.

In terms of structure, oxiranem is a planar, small molecule. It is a gas at room temperature with a boiling point of about −3 °C and is highly flammable. It readily undergoes nucleophilic ring-opening with water, alcohols, amines, and other nucleophiles to yield a variety of functionalized compounds. It is usually handled and stored under controlled conditions and often stabilized with inhibitors to prevent undesired polymerization.

Industrial production of oxiranem occurs mainly by the catalytic oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide, typically using silver-based catalysts. A common secondary route is the chlorohydrin process, from which oxiranem can be produced and subsequently hydrolyzed to glycols. The primary use of oxiranem is as a chemical intermediate: it is converted into ethylene glycol and other polyether derivatives, and it serves as a feedstock for surfactants, solvents, and various polymers. It is also employed in certain sterilization applications where controlled exposure to ethylene oxide is used to inactivate microorganisms on medical devices and other heat- and moisture-sensitive items.

Safety and handling are critical due to its flammability, volatility, and toxic, irritant nature. Exposure can affect the nervous system and other tissues; strict ventilation, containment, and appropriate personal protective equipment are required. Storage and transport follow regulatory guidelines to minimize ignition risk and uncontrolled reactions.