epoxid

Epoxid is a term used in chemistry to refer to epoxides, a class of organic compounds containing at least one oxirane (three-membered) ring composed of two carbon atoms and one oxygen. The name is sometimes used as a shorthand for epoxy derivatives or in regional spellings for epoxide-containing substances. The parent compound oxirane is the simplest member of the class, exemplified by ethylene oxide.

The oxirane ring is highly strained, which makes epoxides reactive toward nucleophiles and acids. Substituents on the ring influence reactivity and stability. Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are among the most important industrial epoxides; thousands of others are prepared from alkenes by oxidation or from other precursors.

Industrial epoxides are produced by oxidation of alkenes with peracids or via catalytic asymmetric epoxidation using hydrogen peroxide and metal catalysts. Epoxides readily undergo ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles (water, alcohols, amines) to give vicinal diols, alcohols, or amino alcohols. They are versatile monomers and intermediates in polymer chemistry.

Epoxides and epoxy resins are widely used in coatings, adhesives, composites, and electronics. Epoxy resins are typically formed from diglycidyl ethers and cured with amines, acids, or anhydrides. Due to their reactivity, many epoxides are hazardous; handling requires appropriate ventilation, protective equipment, and careful storage to avoid uncontrolled polymerization or exposure.