eteenoksidi

eteenoksidi, the Estonian name for ethylene oxide, is a colorless, highly flammable gas at room temperature and a reactive epoxide with the chemical formula C2H4O. It contains a three-membered oxirane ring and readily undergoes ring-opening reactions, enabling its use as a versatile chemical intermediate. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and has a characteristic faint sweet odor.

Industrially, ethylene oxide is produced by the catalytic oxidation of ethylene with air over a silver catalyst, forming ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide. The process is highly optimized for yield and safety due to the gas’s flammability and toxicity. The chemical serves as a building block for a wide range of products, including ethylene glycols, polyether polyols, surfactants, and many ethoxylated derivatives. It also finds use in disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment and consumer products through gas or liquid phase processes.

Safety and regulation are central to handling etheenoksidi. It is classified as a highly reactive and toxic chemical and is considered a human carcinogen by several health organizations. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and long-term exposure is associated with increased cancer risk. As a volatile organic compound, it contributes to air pollution and ozone formation. Strict controls govern its production, storage, transport, and use, with engineering controls, monitoring, and emergency response plans essential in facilities that handle it.